Crowd gathers in Athlone as Gardaí question man about assault on girls

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

It follows the alleged sexual assault of two young girls in a house in the town on Saturday afternoon.

A man remains in custody in connection with the incident.

Gardaí believe the six-year-old and nine-year-old girls were lured away from a birthday party by a man to a house where they were allegedly assaulted.

Both girls are being treated at University Hospital Galway.

A man in his 30s remains in Garda custody in connection with the incident, but there is no court appearance planned at present.

[comment]Members of the public holding up signs outside Athlone courthouse today. Pic: PA.[/comment]