Angry crowds gather in Athlone as girls at centre of alleged attack treated at UHG

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.

Gardai believe the 6 and 9 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. Specialist Gardai are to be brought in to to speak to two young girls who were the victims of an alleged sex assault in Athlone

Locals say there is a sense of disbelief in the town.

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

Two of the three people questioned were from the Ballinasloe area.

A crowd of around 150 people are lining the streets between the Garda station and the courthouse in Athlone – some carrying signs with child protection slogans on them.

Meanwhile, the Minister for Justice has expressed his shock over the attack and says Gardai will carry out a thorough investigation.

Alan Shatter says the public should be re-assured that a man being questioned in relation to the incident has no previous sexual offence convictions.