Updated 1.17pm

GARDAÍ ARE INVESTIGATING allegations of a sexual assault on teenage boy at a secondary school in Dublin.

The incident, which allegedly involved a number of fellow students at King’s Hospital secondary school in Palmerstown, was reported last Thursday.

Gardaí in Lucan are handling the investigation.

In a joint statement, Archbishops Richard Clarke and Michael Jackson, and Bishop Pat Storey of the Church of Ireland, expressed their “sincere concern” and offered their “thoughts and prayers for the child and family at the centre of the incident”.

We trust that the process of investigation by the statutory authorities will bring about a just outcome, and we also pray for the wellbeing of the pupils and staff of the school at this difficult time.

The State’s child and family agency Tusla is also understood to be involved. In a statement, the agency said it does not comment on individual cases.

However, it said “where a child protection concern is received, it is screened and assessed in line with Children First National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children”.