Three men have been arrested in connection with an investigation into serious sexual assaults on two young girls in Athlone.

It is understood the girls had been on the way home from a party yesterday evening when they were taken into a house and subjected to serious assault.

The girls, both under the age of ten, and their families are now receiving professional support and assistance from gardaí.

Three men are being held at Athlone Garda Station.

One man is thought to be in his 30s, the other two are in their 40s.