Petrol station robbed after owner and his wife tied up by gang

Gardaí in Co. Limerick have launched a search for a gang of armed raiders who robbed and tied up a petrol station owner and his wife.

The gang - of five or six men - arrived at the couple’s home in Killmallock last night armed with at least one firearm.

They then forced the man to go to his petrol station, where a substantial amount of money was taken from the safe.

The man and his wife were then tied up in their home, but managed to raise the alarm a number of hours later.

A car which was taken by the raiders was found later a short distance away.

A Garda spokesperson described the incident as a traumatic experience for the couple, and has appealed for anyone with information to contact them at Bruff Garda Station.