Gardaí launch hunt after failed bank raid

Gardaí are tonight hunting armed robbers who rammed into the front of a south Dublin bank in a four wheel drive.

Two of the raiders, one armed with what appeared to be a handgun, then threatened staff at the Bank of Ireland at Rathfarmham Shopping Centre to hand over money.

No shots were fired during the attempted armed robbery which happened shortly after 5pm and the raiders fled empty handed.

The two men, along with the third male, left the scene on two large motorcycles, travelling up Butterfield Avenue before turning left into Washington Lane.

A garda spokesman said the bikes were abandoned there and the three made off on foot to Orchardstown Park.

All three were wearing motorcycle helmets throughout the incident.

“There is no further direction of travel and no better descriptions at this time except that two of the motorcycle helmets were multicoloured and one was dark,” he added.

Anyone with information or who witnessed the raid or where the men went from Orchardstown Park is urged to contact investigating gardaí in Rathfarmham.