11 HELD IN SWOOP ON CHILD SEX RING

Six men and five women arrested over horror abuse

GARDAI have smashed a child sex abuse ring after arresting 11 men and women in a number of raids.

The shocking assaults are alleged to have happened over a number of years in a Co Limerick town.

Six women and five men, ranging in ages from their 20s to 70s, were detained by detective teams also operating in Tipperary and Kerry.

A source said: “This is a horrifying case – senior gardai with long service are

deeply shocked by it.” It is understood the alleged victims were all known to each other and the suspects were also interconnected through relationships.

One of those involved holds a senior position in a sporting organisation and is a well-known and respected figure in his community.

The source added: “Gardai from the elite Divisional Protective Services Unit in Limerick have been involved in a protracted and long-term investigation into this.

“The children at the centre of the complaints have been placed in care for their safety.

“It is safe to say when the details of the abuse comes out it will shock not only the country but the world.”

Multiple sources confirmed the abuse originates out of one community in Co Limerick among people who are all interconnected. The Irish Mirror is withholding the location as it may identify the victims.

The abuse, involving children, from the age of 10 to an infant, is in recent history however it is believed it stretches back over generations.

Much of the abuse came to light after gardai were made aware of neglect of children in the group.

A source added: “The abuse was spotted by gardai but also by social workers and it is understood a judge had also made strong representations about the case.”

Last night a Garda spokesman said: “Gardai in conjunction with the Limerick Divisional Protective Services Unit have arrested 11 adults as part of an investigation into alleged sexual exploitation of children.”