Man charged over knifepoint robbery of shopowner

A man in his 20s has been charged following a robbery at knifepoint.

The incident happened in Birr, Co Offaly, on Monday of last week just as business owners were locking their premises for the evening.

A proprietor was approached by two men demanding cash.

One of the men held a knife to the shop owner’s throat while the other grabbed a sum of money and the pair made their getaway.

Detectives and uniformed gardaí carried out a search in Cloghan the following day and arrested a man.

He was taken to Birr Garda station, where he was questioned but later released without charge.

On Monday a second man was arrested in the Cloghan area.

After he was questioned by detectives he was formally charged yesterday.

He was released on bail, and is due to appear at Tullamore District Court on October 1st.

A Garda spokesperson confirmed that investigations were continuing into the incident.