Report of approach to Athlone teenager 'a genuine misunderstanding'

A complaint of an approach by a driver to a teenager in Athlone has been described as a 'genuine misunderstanding'.

Gardai had received a complaint that a teenage boy had been approached by a man, described as Irish, in a car, and offered a lift.

The incident was reported to have occurred on Monday evening of this week in The Orchard housing estate in Cornamaddy.

The boy concerned made his way into a nearby house and the matter was reported to Gardai, who confirmed they were looking into the incident.

Since then, the family of the teenager have told the Westmeath Independent that the incident was a "genuine misunderstanding" and that they have accepted the explanations of a man who contacted them.

They said the man explained that he mistook the teenager for someone else.