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23rd May 2023

Teens arrested over Navan assault advised to “get off social media” as investigation continues

Clodagh McKeon

Tipperary

Gardaí said their mental health welfare must be considered

The teenagers arrested over the brutal assault on a 14-year-old school boy in Navan, Co. Meath last week have been advised to “get off social media” for at least a few months.

Five teenage boys were arrested on Friday, May 19th in connection with the attack that was filmed and shared across social media. They were each questioned about their role in the assault but were released without charge.

The perpetrators’ parents have been fully-compliant with the Gardaí since their release.

According to the Irish Independent, a senior source said that Gardaí are aware of the high volume of abuse made against the attackers and have warned them to delete social media.

The senior source told the publication: “On this basis, they were given detailed security advice and told to not be looking at social media.

“With their own mental health welfare considered to be a big factor in this recommendation because of what is being said about them and the volume of it.”

They said that although there have been a number of threats made, it’s not a gangland case so these threats are not an imminent threat to life.

“The risk assessment is far lower than that, but at the same time it was deemed that the boys did get proper security advice,” said the source.

Gardaí believe the assault originated from a row on Snapchat.

It was revealed that the reason behind this attack may have stemmed from an argument on Snapchat.

It’s alleged that a row broke out between the victim and the attackers over a comment made about a female relative of the victim.

A march was held in support of the 14-year-old assault victim in his hometown. Hundreds gathered in support of the young boy on Saturday, May 20th.

Many friends, family members, and locals took to the streets in solidarity with the teen in ‘A Rally Against Hate’ protest.

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