A SCHOOLGIRL was being examined in hospital last night as gardai launched an investigation after images of her performing a sex act on a boy were posted on the internet.

The 17-year-old was being treated after hundreds of internet users shared the images, taken in broad daylight at the weekend. Gardai have still not received a formal complaint from the girl in relation to the photos.

However, the Irish Independent has learned that the teen has made a separate complaint of being sexually assaulted at an event that does not relate to the photos which have been posted on the internet.

The secondary school student and her family have been left devastated after the images appeared on social networking sites. Sources said she was so distraught she had to be sedated in hospital yesterday afternoon.

One source said: "The primary concern for gardai at this time is for this vulnerable teenager and her state of mind.

"Gardai have been dealing with her and her family. This is a very sensitive case.

"The teenager has not been medically fit enough to make a formal statement yet, but when that happens this could turn into a sexual assault investigation."

It is understood the girl's parents were notified by gardai on Saturday evening that their daughter had made a complaint of being assaulted at an outdoor event.

Sources said the shocked couple travelled to meet up with their daughter and gardai. The teenager was treated in hospital before being allowed to return home.

However, images of her performing a sex act then went viral on the internet and the girl was re-admitted to hospital where she was undergoing tests last night.

Sources said the teenager has not been "well enough" to make a complaint about the online images.

Facebook last night confirmed it had removed at least one page that had published the photograph because it "violates" its terms of service.

Irish Independent