Gardai investigate violent assault on school student

Navan Gardaí are investigating a vicious assault on a teenager on Monday which was filmed and widely posted on social media.

A spokesperson for 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 approximately 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 25-second clip appears to show the student walking along with a group when he is struck in the face by one youth before a second youth comes from behind hitting him twice more in the face. As the terrified victim tries to turn and walk away he is then set upon by a large group of youths who reign down punches and kicks.

A voice in the video recording can be heard to shout "come on, lads", as the attack continues.

The victim is seen trying to crawl to safety on his hands and knees but is attacked again, this time being left motionless on the grass after another savage onslaught of kicks and punches. Eventually, two students intervene to stop the vicious assault.

In the past hour, Gardai have again appealed for witnesses to come forward in a post on the Meath Crime Prevention Facebook page

Gardaí have again appealed to people not to share any social media clips of the incident.

More to follow...