Three men have been arrested in Northern Ireland in connection with the robbery of two ATMs in Dundalk, Co Louth overnight.
The incident began at around 3.20am this morning.
Two cash machines were targeted at branches of Ulster Bank and AIB on Clanbrassil Street.
The raiders also set two cars on fire outside both entrances to Dundalk Garda Station in an effort to stop gardaí responding to the robbery.
Suspects were subsequently intercepted the Garda Armed Support Unit but, following a chase, the suspects made their getaway over the border into Northern Ireland.
Three men have now been arrested by the PSNI in Co Armagh in connection with the robbery, and two ATMs have been recovered.
PSNI DCI Julie Mullan said: “Officers made their way to the Jonesborough area and located a discarded trailer with two ATMS in the Mullabawn area of County Armagh.
“It was established that the suspects had entered a property in the Crossmaglen area, officers attended supported by colleagues in the armed response unit."
The PSNI said the three men - aged 24, 29 and 57 - were arrested on suspicion of handling property stolen in the Republic of Ireland and are currently in police custody
Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan said he was “glad to see both police services working so closely together across the border" to investigate the robbery.
He said: "[I] want to commend them for their swift response and close cooperation.
“Both services are working flat out in difficult circumstances to help protect and support the public at this challenging time and, as always, they deserve our support and cooperation."
He called on anyone with information about the robbery to contact gardaí in Dundalk.
