A mystery girl who was found dazed and confused by police in Dublin city centre has been identified after weeks of investigation.
Police in Ireland made an unprecedented appeal for anyone who knew the identity of the girl when she was found on Dublin's main shopping street in a distressed state.
The teenage girl, who speaks little English, has drawn some sketches in an attempt to communicate her ordeal but Superintendent Dave Taylor said gardai had no hard evidence as to what happened her.
"This investigation has involved over 2,000 hours, engaging with all the relevant authorities and all the relevant specialists in this area, but unfortunately we have been unable to identify her," he had said.
Detectives came up with 15 possible names for their girl through their inquiries but they were 'fully checked' and led nowhere.
But after photographs were released worldwide, detectives revealed they have now identified her and are liaising with police in Australia.
The release of the photograph of the girl was only permitted after detectives went to the High Court last week to seek permission under the Child Care Act.
Lawyers argued that it was in extraordinary circumstances after the investigation 'hit a brick wall'.
Irish police said they were now following a 'definite' line of inquiry, saying in a statement: "(We) will be liaising closely with the Australian Police and the Health Service Executive (HSE) to finalise the matter."