Garda dies following aborted bank raid in Abbeyleix

A garda has been shot dead following an aborted raid on the Allied Irish Bank in Abbeyleix, Co Laois.

The garda from the force's national surveillance unit was rushed to Portlaoise General Hospital, but was later pronounced dead.

Gardai say four masked men attempted to rob the bank at 4.30pm. Shots were fired and a garda was injured. The gang have since been arrested and are now in custody.

Earlier there was a similar raid on the Bank of Ireland in Urlingford.