Three armed raiders who attempted to rob Dunnes Stores in the Annbrook shopping centre in Nenagh last night, were unable to gain access to the cash office, the company reported.
The attempted raid took place at around 9 o'clock when the raiders entered the grocery section armed with hand guns and a hatchet. "They were only able to take a small amount of money from the tills," the company said, "and we're delighted to report that no staff or customers were injured."
The thieves made off on foot because the car that they were using would not start, according to Dunnes. They were pursued by gardai who are still investigating the incident.
Exactly a week earlier, Dunnes Stores in Dublin's Northside was also the scene of an attempted robbery. Four raiders tried to get money from the tills as the store closed after late-night shopping, but found that they were time-locked. Shots were fired into the ceiling at the customers' service desk and a number of people grazed by pellets were treated in hospital.