Gardaí are today hunting for an armed gang that carried out raids at premises in counties Monaghan and Cavan.
Shortly before noon today, three men, one armed with a handgun, and two carrying what appeared to be lump-hammers, robbed a bookmaker’s in Virginia, Co. Cavan, and escaped with a sum of cash.
Raiders also robbed cash from a farmer (80) at his home near Castleblayney, Co Monaghan.
Garda checkpoints have been set up on a number of roads near the Border, and the Garda air support unit is assisting in the search. The assistance of the PSNI has also been sought.
Earlier, other raids were carried out at different premises in Monaghan.
Gardaí believe a five-member gang was involved in the robberies in mid and south Monaghan. A car believed to have been used in the raids is also being sought.