Gardaí arrest man and recover cash after bank raid

A MAN was arrested yesterday and money was recovered by gardaí investigating an armed bank robbery earlier this week.

Detectives from the west Cork garda division carried out extensive searches early yesterday on the outskirts of Cork city as part of their investigation into the raid at the Bank of Ireland in Skibbereen last Monday.

The searches were conducted in Curraheen, Bishopstown early yesterday along a walkway near the UCC sports complex.

Superintendent Pat Maher, who is leading the investigation, confirmed that detectives had recovered some money although he declined to say how much.

“A man was also taken into custody. He was arrested under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act,” said Supt Maher.

The man, believed to a 33-year-old from Cork city, was taken to Bandon Garda Station for questioning. He can be held for an initial period of 24 hours but this can be extended.

Two men were involved in the raid on the bank at Skibbereen.

Armed with a shotgun and what appeared to be an air rifle, they put on balaclavas before entering the Market Street branch.

After terrorising staff and customers they fled with an undisclosed sum.

During the getaway, they drove their stolen Audi Quatro into another car near Hegarty’s garage. The two men ran from the car and hijacked a Citroen Xsara.

The car’s owner, a woman, was filling it with petrol when the men forced her to hand over the keys. As they sped away they threw her dog out of the car window.

The Citroen Xsara was found abandoned, shortly before 8pm on Monday, on a country lane between Skibbereen and Schull.

Gardaí were still searching for the second fugitive last night.

Gardaí are appealing for anybody with information to contact Skibbereen Garda Station at 028 23088.