Witnesses sought after robbery of Athlone shop

Gardai have appealed for the public's assistance with their investigation into the robbery of a shop in the centre of Athlone on Friday evening last.

The incident, which involved the theft of hundreds of euro, took place at The Crescent shop on the Ballymahon Road at 6pm.

A male, thought to have been armed with a hammer, entered the premises and demanded money from a member of staff.

He then fled the scene with approximately €300 in cash.

Sergeant Andrew Haran of Athlone Garda Station said officers had been examining CCTV footage from the area but there was some uncertainty about the direction in which the culprit headed after leaving the shop.

The man was wearing a two-tone hoodie, a face-mask, a cap, dark-coloured trousers, gloves and boots.

Anyone who witnessed anything suspicious in the area that evening, or anyone who has any other information that may be connected to the robbery, is asked to contact Athlone Garda Station on: 09064 98550.