A prominent national newspaper journalist is being investigated on suspicion of having unlawful carnal knowledge of a teenage girl.

Gardaí in Dublin began the investigation after it emerged there had been inappropriate contact between the adult and the child.

The investigation is believed to have begun in the last month following a complaint from a family member.

Detectives have interviewed the girl who is in her mid teens.

They have also examined a phone and found text messages had been exchanged.

Gardaí have yet to speak to the journalist about the allegation.

