Gardaí are appealing for information after several attacks on sex workers.
The attacks, since the middle of October, are primarily in the Dublin area.
Seven attacks have happened nationwide on sex workers advertising services on online sites.
Gardaí say the motive appears to be for money - although violence has been used.
It describes the incidents as "terrifying" for the injured parties, who are both women and men.
On each occasion an online appointment is made, but when the 'client' arrives the sex worker is attacked and robbed by a number of men.
Gardaí say the investigation into these attacks is at an advanced stage.
It is appealing to any sex worker who may have been subject to a similar attack to immediately report the incident.
An Garda Síochána is also appealing to any person with information on these targeted attacks to contact them via the Garda Confidential Number at 1800-666-111 or any Garda station.
