An Ipswich man accused of sexually assaulting two schoolgirls has denied having a sexual interest in under-age girls.

Giving evidence during his trial at Ipswich Crown Court Daniel Cowan denied the allegations that had been made by the girls, who were both under 13.

Cross-examined by Lori Tucker, prosecuting, Cowan denied having a sexual interest in under-age girls.

Cowan, 33, of Bromley Close, Ipswich, has denied attempting to rape one of the girls and an alternative charge of sexually assaulting her.

He has denied sexually assaulting the other girl. The offences date back to 2012

Cowan was allegedly warned off by the parents of one of the girls because they felt he was paying too much attention to their daughter.

They allegedly became concerned at the amount of WhatsApp contact between Cowan and the ten-year-old girl and sent him a text message telling him to “back off”.

The girl later claimed Cowan had tried to kiss her and had touched her chest and genital area over her clothing.

Cowan had allegedly followed another schoolgirl who was aged between ten and 12 into a toilet and tried to rape her.

The trial continues.