Garda investigation after man confronted in Laois by group whose aim is to expose predators

An investigation is underway after a man in Laois allegedly attempted to contact a teenage girl. 

It follows a so-called ‘sting’ operation by a group who say their “mission is to protect children now and in the future regardless of race or religion. We will expose predators across the whole of Ireland (North and South) and the United Kingdom.”

The group called to the home of a man in Laois who they say believed he had been exchanging online messages with a 13 year-old girl. The group confronted the man, who told them he was 36 years old, and called gardaí while they were at the house last month. 

They claim the man had spoken to what he believed to be a child in a “highly sexual manner” and that he had sent the girl “explicit images of himself” and told the girl he wanted to meet her. 

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Gardaí confirmed that they are investigating the incident. They said the man was “removed to the station for his own safety”.

“There was no arrest at the time but there is an investigation ongoing,” a Garda spokesperson confirmed.