Gardaí say they are aware of an alleged incident in which a boy was force-fed twigs and forced to expose himself.

It is claimed a boy (14) with special needs was targeted in the attack in Carrigaline, Co Cork.

It is also alleged video footage of the incident was posted online for a time.

The video was removed from Facebook yesterday, following calls from concerned users.

Local Councillor John A Collins knows the boy.

"He's an inoffensive, mannerly, well-behaved young guy and this is an unfortunate and appalling thing to happen," Councillor Collins said.

He told the Pat Kenny Show here on Newstalk what happened the boy is unacceptable.