An investigation is under way into an assault on a teenager in Co Meath on Monday which was filmed and posted on social media.

In a statement, An Garda Síochána said a male youth was treated for serious facial injuries at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda.

The assault on the teenager happened in the Navan area at around 2.30pm on Monday afternoon.

Gardaí are appealing for anyone with information to contact Navan Garda Station.

An Garda Síochána said it "is aware of a video circulating on social media of this incident and out of respect for the victim in this case we would request that people refrain from sharing this video."

The footage appears to show the teenager being punched and kicked by a number of other youths, some wearing school uniforms.

Kildare Fianna Fáil Senator Fiona O’Loughlin has said that the video of a violent attack of a young person circulating online is shocking and horrific to watch.
Deputy Chair of the Oireachtas education committee Fiona O’Loughlin said, “The video of the aggressive and violent attack of a young person who is simply walking in a green area and is literally jumped by a group of school students is just appalling.”

“As a society we have a duty to ensure that our young people and safe and cared for, and this video certainly does not live up to that. I want to send a clear message to the perpetrators that such violence is not on. It’s not cool, it’s not funny, it is an attack, and it is disgusting behaviour.”

“I hope that we see decisive and clear action taken by the gardai, the school authorities and by parents. This type of abuse cannot be swept under the carpet.”

“The widespread sharing of the clip online only goes further in upsetting and distressing the victim no doubt, and I want to express my solidarity with them.

"It is not something any young person should have to experience in Ireland in 2023," she added.