Gardaí prevented a robbery attempt on a Bank of Ireland branch in Edenderry, County Offaly.
Just after 02.00 am An Garda Síochána foiled what they believe was an attempt to rob the branch of Bank of Ireland in Edenderry, County Offaly.
Local detectives backed up by heavily armed members of the elite Emergency Response Unit swooped on a disused building next door to the bank. There they surprised two men apparently,
Trying to tunnel through the wall between the two buildings.
It is believed a gang was planning to target the bank when it opened the following morning.
In 2008 criminals used a similar method to get into the Allied Irish Bank (AIB) in Edenderry. Then two men stole €300,000 after they smashed through a wall from a derelict building next door to the bank.
The two suspects arrested earlier today are also being questioned about that crime.
It is believed one of those arrested had absconded after being charged with a Dublin bank raid in 2006.
The two men, both in their 40s are being questioned under section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act at Tullamore Garda station. They can be held for up to three days or 72 hours.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 26 April 2009. The reporter is Gareth O'Connor.
