A MAN accused of raping a two-week-old baby is under guard behind bars to stop lags lynching him.

The 25-year-old is being treated as a “Special Person At Risk” away from terrorists, murderers, violent thugs and gangsters.

A source said: “He has been located in a secure unit for his own protection. He is also on round-the-clock watch in case he presents any evidence of suicidal thoughts.

“Feelings are extremely high, both inside and outside the prison.

“I would be pretty sure that if any other prisoners got near him they would lynch him, such is the outrage being expressed by inmates on the landings.”

The man is being held at HMP Maghaberry in Northern Ireland.

He was arrested last weekend on suspicion of raping the baby at a home in Annalong, County Down.

On Tuesday he appeared before magistrates in Armagh and was charged with rape and causing the infant grievous bodily harm.

The child is still being treated in intensive care at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children.