Hotel raided and staff tied up by masked men in Kildare

Three men have been arrested in connection with an aggravated burglary at a hotel in Athy, Co Kildare, early this morning.

Four masked raiders entered the hotel at 5am this morning; they tied up two members of staff and ransacked the reception area and hotel offices.

It is believed the raiders were armed with hammers. An undisclosed amount of cash was taken during the incident.

They made their escape shortly after 7am in a red Peugeot 206 which was stolen from the hotel car park.

At 7.50am, a car believed to have been used in the incident, was reported to be on fire on the M7 motorway near the Goffs exit.

In a follow up operation Gardaí arrested three men, aged 28, 40 and 41 in Kill.

They're being detained at Naas Garda station.

Gardai are appealing for witnesses who saw anything at the hotel or near the burned out car, to contact them.