Gardaí in Laois are investigating an alleged serious sexual assault, which is said to have occurred on Sunday.
It follows numerous reports that a 9-year old girl was raped over the weekend by an 11-year old boy.
The alleged incident occurred in Leinster.
The ages of those involved has led to difficulties around the questioning by gardaí and other investigative issues.
The Irish Daily Star, which first reported the incident, reports that it would be unlikely a child of this age would be charged - but a source acknowledged this is an unusual case due to the fact that there is a witness.
Under current laws relating to the crime of rape a person aged 10-12 may be charged but there are difficulties arresting and detaining children under 14.
Investigations are continuing.
