Thugs attempted to nick an ATM from a bank overnight.
Gardai responded to a report of an attempted ATM theft at an Ulster Bank branch on Irish Street in Ardee, Co Louth.
The incident happened at around 4.50am and officers arrived to find a digger and tractor in the middle of the road.
The ATM, installed in the wall of the bank, had been damaged but not removed. The bank also received "significant" damage.
A 4x4 vehicle was found burnt out nearby.
Gardai are now investigating and appealing for witnesses.
A Garda statement read: "This morning Saturday 21 December, 2019 at approximately 4.50am Gardaí in Ardee, Co Louth responded to a report of an attempt to remove an ATM machine from a financial premises on Irish Street, Ardee, Co Louth.
"On arrival an ATM had been damaged in a bank premises.
"A digger and tractor remain at the scene. A significant amount of damage was caused to the premises.
"A 4x4 vehicle was located burnt out a short distance from the scene.
"No arrests have been made and investigations are continuing, the scene will remain closed off pending a Garda technical investigation and traffic diversions are in place.
"Gardaí are appealing to any person who was in Ardee this morning between 3.00am and 5.00am and who saw anything unusual, and to any road users with camera footage, to make contact with the incident room at Ardee Garda Station on 041 6871130, the Garda Confidential line on 1 800 666 111 or any Garda Station."
