A US SAILOR who was arrested Wednesday morning on suspicion of sexually assaulting a woman in Dublin has been released without charge.

The sailor, a man aged in his 30s, is a crew member of the American military ship the USS Donald Cook which is berthed at Cobh in Co Cork.

The alleged sexual assault on a woman took place in a Dublin city centre hotel in the early hours of Wednesday morning. The man was arrested at the hotel at about 10am.

It is understood that the sailor was on shore leave at the time of the arrest.

The US Embassy yesterday confirmed the incident.

The incident is currently under investigation, and the US Navy is cooperating fully with local law enforcement, an Garda Síochána.

A garda spokesperson today confirmed the man was released without charge. A file will now be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.

The US Navy has also said an investigation is underway.

NavyTimes, quoting a spokesperson for the US Sixth Fleet, reported it is anticipated that the US will formally request Irish authorities relinquish jurisdiction.

- With reporting by Cianan Brennan.