A Garda Armed Support Unit intercepted an ATM raid in Co Louth in the early hours of this morning.
Shocking photos from the scene show a digger in front of a destroyed Bank of Ireland shopfront on Main Street in Dunleer.
Rubble and bricks from the attempted robbery is strewn around the footpath.
The raiders fled the scene but were pursued by gardai before they made their way onto the N1 and over the border to Northern Ireland.
Main Street is currently closed off while gardai carry out an investigation and diversions are in place.
A garda spokesperson told Irish Mirror: "Members of An Garda Síochána attached to the Garda Armed Support unit intercepted an attempted ATM Theft on Dunleer Main Street at approximately 4.30am this morning, 15th January.
"Members were patrolling the area at the time managed to intercept the attempted theft and a pursuit ensued onto the N1 in which the culprits made their way over the border.
"The PSNI are assisting An Garda Síochána in their searches. No injuries reported."
