Two people have been arrested following the attempted armed robbery of a shop in Dublin.

An off-duty garda received minor injuries during the incident in Ranelagh yesterday evening:

Shortly before 7 O'clock yesterday evening two men with their faces covered and armed with what appeared to be a firearm entered a shop on Lower Mount Pleasant Avenue.

A garda followed the men into the shop and confronted them. As the officer struggled with one of the men, the second man launched an attack.

Both men fled the scene in the direction of Mount Pleasant Square, followed by the officer.

As the men ran they threw the firearm into bushes at Mount Pleasant Square. Gardaí found the weapon, and it has been removed for technical examination.

One man in his 20s was arrested following a struggle, which the second escaped. The first man is being detained under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act 1939 at Rathmines garda station.

Gardaí arrested a second person - a juvenile - at 11.30pm, during a follow-up operation. That person is also being held under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act, 1939. 

Meanwhile, the injured garda received medical attention at St James' Hospital for a hand injury.

Anyone who was in the area of Mount Pleasant Avenue or Mount Pleasant Square yesterday evening, between 6 and 7pm is asked to contact Rathmines garda station on 01 666 66700.