A number of garda checkpoints have been put in place in Limerick tonight after a raid on the Allied Irish Bank branch in Kilmallock this afternoon.
The raid took place at the AIB at Main Street at 4.10 p.m.
The bank was closed but a number of staff were working inside. A beer keg was thrown through a window and three men entered the premises. One was armed with a double barrel shotgun and another carried a large knife.
The gang threatened staff and left the scene with an undisclosed amount of cash (not thought to be substantial at this time).
At least one shot was fired outside the bank by the raiders as they left.
Nobody was injured. Local uniformed Gardai were just approaching the scene as the raiders left.
The raiders drove off in a gold/beige coloured land cruiser type vehicle and were last scene heading in the direction of Kilfinnane.
Searches of the area are continuing and the Garda Air Support Unit is assisting.