A search was continuing last night for four armed robbers still at large after a prolonged Garda chase across the midlands by squad cars and a helicopter. The gang forced its way into the home of a family involved in the cigarette-vending business in Athlone, Co Westmeath, at 9.30 a.m. yesterday. Two raiders were carrying sawn-off shotguns.
They forced the businessman to hand over £6,000 in cash and stole a large quantity of cigarettes. The raiders drove off in the man's blue Hiace van, which they abandoned in a lay-by between Moate and Clara, Co Offaly, transferring to another blue Hiace van.
They were then detected by gardai, who gave chase with the support of the Garda helicopter. It is understood the gang abandoned some of the cigarettes and one shotgun. The second blue van was followed until it too was abandoned between Tullamore and Kilbeggan, Co Westmeath.
