Over 100 people remain outside Athlone Garda Station this evening where a man in his 30s is still being questioned in connection with an alleged sexual assault on two young girls. He was one of three men detained on Saturday afternoon.

Two of the men - both aged in their 40s - have been released without charge.

There were tense scenes at times today on Barrack Street in Athlone. A crowd which at its peak was around 200 strong gathered outside the Garda station where a man in his 30s remains in custody. 

He is being questioned in connection with the alleged sexual assault of two girls aged 6 and 9.

Gardai believe they were lured from a birthday party in a house on Saturday afternoon by a man to another house where they were allegedly sexually assaulted.

Gardai try to keep protesters back from the Garda station after angry scenes

The man in his 30s remains in Garda custody. These people explain why they felt they had to come out.

Speaking earlier, the Minister for Justice Alan Shatter has moved to reassure people in Athlone that a man being questioned in relation to the incident has no previous sexual offence convictions. He spoke to The Pat Kenny Show here on Newstalk.

The Mayor of Athlone Councillor Gabrielle McFadden told The Pat Kenny Show that the entire community is distraught.