GARDAÍ investigating a recent alleged assault have arrested a woman in Dungarvan, Co Waterford.

A spokesperson for the Garda told WLR FM that the woman was detained as part of the investigation, and has since been released, with a file being prepared for the  Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

According to the spokesperson, the woman is charged under Section 12 of the Criminal Law Act, 1976, which refers to a person who “knowingly makes a false report or statement tending to show that an offence has been committed” or “knowingly makes a false report or statement tending to show that [they have] information material to any inquiries by the Garda Síochána and thereby causes the time of the Garda Síochána to be wastefully employed.”

The alleged assault was reported to have occurred on February 19, in Dungarvan.

Details of the alleged incident, reportedly a woman assaulted by foreign national men, were spread across social media.

Gardaí made note at the time that there had been “commentary on social media in relation to the incident” which had yet to be verified.

The spokesperson went on to say that Gardaí are “acutely aware of the significant volume of misinformation, disinformation and fake news in circulation in relation to public safety.”

Gardaí are urging the public to report any information relating to crime.