Three men have been arrested as part of an investigation into a serious sexual assault on two girls in the Athlone area.

The assault is alleged to have taken place at around 4 o'clock yesterday afternoon.

The Three men were initially arrested for public order offences in an area of Athlone yesterday and were detained overnight at Athlone Garda station.

They were subsequently brought to a special sitting of Athlone District Court at 10 o clock this morning where they were remanded on Public Order charges.

Following their appearance in court, the three were arrested as part of the investigation into the alleged sexual assault on two girls, and brought to Athlone Garda station.

One of the men is 30, two are in their mid 40s.

They remain in Athlone Garda station, detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984.