A homeless man will be given protection in prison after being charged with the rape of two young girls who were lured away from a children’s birthday party.

A 30-year-old man has appeared in court charged with raping two young girls in Athlone over the weekend.

A man is due in court this morning charged in connection with the sexual assault of two young girls in Athlone.

A publican who chased down a suspected sex attacker has said he still hears the screams of two young girls who were allegedly attacked.

Justice Minister Alan Shatter has confirmed the man being questioned in connection with an alleged incident in Athlone did not have a criminal record for sex offences against children.

A crowd of around 150 people have gathered outside the courthouse in Athlone, carrying placards with child protection slogans.

One of three men arrested as part of a major police investigation into an alleged sex attack on two girls remains in Garda custody today.