Man on suicide watch after appearing in court charged with raping two girls in Athlone

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

The victims, aged six and nine, were allegedly lured away from a birthday party on Saturday afternoon.

The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been charged with four counts of rape.

He was flanked by two gardaí during his short court appearance and has been remanded in custody where he will be placed on suicide watch.

He is due in court again on Friday.