Police have launched an investigation after a seven-year-old girl alleged she was inappropriately touched by a neighbour in a community on the island’s west.

The incident is said to have taken place shortly after 15:00 local time on 10 August, when the child visited the neighbour’s home to fill a bottle with water.

According to officers, the girl told them the neighbour had asked for a hug and, during the embrace, squeezed her bottom.

Police at the Grays Farm station said the suspect, who was present when the child was interviewed, was arrested and taken into custody for questioning.