Gardaí have launched an investigation after a digger was used to steal an ATM machine in County Monaghan overnight.

The bank machine was stolen from the AIB bank on Main Street, Castleblaney at around 3am this morning.

Investigators said the digger tore the machine from the wall before loading it onto a trailer and towing it away with a dark coloured Jeep.

The Jeep escaped in the direction of Oram Road.

A number of roads through Castleblaney town centre are expected to remain closed until around midday as Gardaí continue to investigate the raid.

Main Street, Shercock Road, York Street and Muckno Street are all currently closed.

Some 12 ATMs have been stolen from businesses in the border region in recent months.

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to last night’s robbery.