Gardaí were last night searching for three raiders who stole almost €200,000 in an armed robbery on a cash-in-transit van in north Dublin yesterday morning. It is believed all three raiders had to ride on one motorbike during their escape after another motorbike broke down.
One shot was fired during the incident in Ballymun and one of the security van members delivering the money was hit across the head with the butt of a shotgun. The van was delivering money to an ATM machine at a Statoil petrol station on Ballymun Road at 7am when the three-man gang struck.
They arrived on two motorbikes as the money was being taken from the van into the premises. One of the men was armed with what gardaí believe was a shotgun. He fired a shot in the air as he demanded the money from the delivery staff.
The man also struck one of the van's crew with the weapon. They then took the money and escaped. One of the motorbikes used in the attack was abandoned at the petrol station, while the other was later found on the southbound lane of the M50 between the Ballymun and Finglas exits.
Gardaí said all three men escaped on the motorbike found on the M50. They believe the second bike found at the scene may have experienced mechanical failure.
The scene of the robbery was sealed off immediately and a technical examination was conducted. The second scene on the M50 was also technically examined by gardaí.
Both motorbikes were taken to Garda Headquarters in the Phoenix Park, Dublin, where they were being examined last night. The security van worker injured in the attack underwent medical treatment but his injuries are not believed to be serious.
Gardaí in Ballymun have appealed for anybody who saw three men on two motorbikes in the area yesterday morning to come forward. They are also anxious to speak to anybody who saw a motorbike carrying three men at about 7am either in Ballymun or on the M50.
Anybody with information can contact gardaí in Ballymun on 01-6664400 or the Garda confidential line 1800-666-111.