A British businessman is recovering in hospital following the theft of diamonds worth an estimated €1 million from his room in a north Dublin hotel this morning.
The 64-year-old man was robbed by a gang of three armed and masked men who forced their way into his room at the Travelodge hotel in Ballymun at about 12.15am.
A Garda spokesman said it is believed the robbers were armed with a hammer and a firearm.
The man, who is a diamond salesman, was assaulted before the thieves made their getaway. Gardaí said the men stole a suitcase containing a "substantial quantity of jewellery", understood to be worth €1 million.
The businessman followed the thieves out onto Shangan Road, Ballymun, before contacting gardaí.
He was taken to the Mater hospital where he is currently being treated for his injuries.
Gardaí in Ballymun are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who may have information about the gang to contact them on 01-6664400.
A description of the gang was issued late this afternoon.
One of the men gardaí are seeking is described as being 5ft 9in tall and of thin build. He was wearing a grey tracksuit top at the time of the incident. The second male wore a black and white top with a zigzag design while the third man is described as being 6ft in height and also with a thin build.
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