Two men are due in court in Co Carlow this morning, in connection with the robbery of a post office.

The men - both aged 27 - were arrested following a robbery at Leighlinbridge on Tuesday morning.

Gardaí say two men entered the post office, one of whom was believed to be armed with a gun, and the other with a hammer.

Detectives say the masked men threatened and assaulted a member of staff, before leaving with an amount of cash.

Both of the men were wearing balaclavas and fled the scene in a white Honda.

Gardaí from Thomastown in Co Kilkenny, diverted from a separate operation to assist in setting up a number of checkpoints and establishing a cordon around the general area.

Gardaí then received a report that a white car had been set on fire near the Burrin Manor housing estate in Carlow.

Two men were arrested a short distance from that scene.

They are currently being detained at Carlow and Thomastown garda stations, under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act.

Gardaí recovered a sum of cash.

Investigating gardaí are now appealing for witnesses. Anyone with information is asked to contact them at Carlow garda station on 059 9136620, the garda confidential line, 1800 666111 or any garda station.

The men arrested will appear before Carlow District Court at 10.30 this morning.