Gardai are investigating a stalker who has been following female sea swimmers in the north-east.
A number of distressed women came forward and contacted officers after several incidents at Salterstown, Co Louth in recent months.
The popular bathing spot on the southern end of Dundalk Bay has a walkway down into the sea and is frequented by 50 to 100 women swimmers of all ages every day.
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But earlier this week two different women were spooked after they were tailed by a man in a Black Volkswagen car.
One of the women said: " I've noticed him a lot over the past few months but tonight he pulled up behind my car when I was in the water and when I got back into the car he followed me when I drove off.
"Thankfully I wasn't alone. I rang it into the Garda station and it turns out there have been multiple reports of him doing it to other women. "
A man in his early thirties was subsequently arrested by gardai after they combed the area.
He was brought in for questioning but later released without charge. However a file is being sent to the DPP.
Gardai have appealed to anyone who was stalked or harassed around Salterstown beach to contact Ardee Garda Station and make a statement.
They also urged all women not to go sea swimming in the bay on their own and to make sure they have a companion with them for their own safety.
They warned women if they see the suspect in the area again to contact them immediately.
Another woman added: "This fella has been following women for months, it is very scary and terrifying. The gardai believe he is a danger to women.
"What sort of a country is it when you can't even feel safe going for a swim in the sea?
"He is watching women dressing and undressing in their cars and following them home to see where they live. Hopefully something will now be done about it.
"We are all so relieved that the gardai know who he is so hopefully this will all stop and we will be left in peace."
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