A masked man armed with a screwdriver broke into a school in a terrifying robbery in Co Longford.
The incident happened at a primary school in Longford town at around 7pm on Thursday.
The man entered the premises during a school board meeting and threatened people inside with a sharp implement, which is understood to be a screwdriver.
He then fled the scene on foot with a sum of cash. Nobody was harmed during the incident.
After a follow-up operation, gardai arrested a 38-year-old man in Longford town a short time later. Officers also recovered a sum of cash.
A garda spokesman said: "The arrested man is currently detained for questioning at Longford Garda Station under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984. He can be held for up to 24 hours.
"An examination of the scene has been carried out by local scenes of crime personnel.
"Investigating Gardaí are appealing for witnesses.
"They are particularly appealing to the driver of a van that may have been flagged down in the Chapel Street area by the suspect as he fled from the scene.
"Anyone with information is asked to contact Longford Garda Station 043 335 or the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111."
