More than 1,700 weapons have been reported stolen to gardaí over the past five years.

The gang who raided a midlands gunshop earlier booked into Gerry Scully’s bed and breakfast and locked the owners into a room.

Gardai have launched a massive search for a six strong gang who raided a fire arms dealer.

Gardai in Athlone are investigating a burglary in which it was claimed a number of firearms were stolen.