A court has heard that a number of children were inside a McDonald's in Dublin when a man allegedly burst in waving a knife at workers.

Paul Carabini from Abbottstown Drive in Finglas appeared in court today accused of trying to rob the fast food restaurant.

Mr Carabini (47) is alleged to have walked into the restaurant with a knife in his hand during lunchtime yesterday.

Gardaí claim he went in behind the counter and threatened a female manager in full view of customers - many of whom were young children.

The court heard he left empty handed and ran up a nearby laneway.

Nobody was hurt during the botched robbery and gardaí were alerted to his movements after two workers followed him.

Mr Carabini was arrested a short distance away at Royal Canal bank, and he was charged with the attempted robbery last night.

He strongly disputed the evidence given in court today, before he was refused bail and remanded in custody to appear in court again next week.