An armed gang robbed a hotel in Leighlinbridge in Co Carlow and escaped with an undisclosed sum of money.
Four armed and masked men entered the Lord Bagenal Hotel in the village at around 5.30am this morning.
They locked two staff members and a resident into a store room and removed two safes, containing the weekend takings, from the premises.
The alarm was raised when staff members escaped from the store room at around 6am.
The raiders made their escape in a grey Ford Focus hatchback with the registration number 08 CW 2478.
Gardaí are appealing for anyone who may have seen the car to contact them at Carlow Garda Station on 059-9136620 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.
