These images show the scene after a gang of border thugs launched a double attack on two ATMs - which were gone in just 180 seconds.
Sophisticated stinger devices were left on the road to puncture Garda cars as they arrived to confront the burglars.
The professional gang, suspected to be from the border region near South Armagh, are thought to be an organised crime group.
Sources have revealed that gardai rushed to the scene at Kells, Co Meath on Friday morning but, as the gang were suspected to be armed, the Garda control room advised responding units “of caution”.
A source said: “This gang were incredibly well prepared - they came to the village and launched their attack all in the space of minutes.
Gardai make public appeal after two ATMs ripped from banks in Kells, Co Meath
“It happened around 4.20am and CCTV examined shows that they completed the theft of both ATMs in three minutes.
“There was intelligence to suggest that they were armed and unarmed members were advised of caution - sending unarmed guards in to deal with tooled up criminals is not possible.”
Gardai believe that the two ATMs were taken away by the criminals and cracked open at another location.
Sources have said that the guns sourced by the gang may have come from dissident IRA members.
It is also believed that at least two robberies have been halted in recent weeks.
A source added: “These guns were possibly sourced from IRA factions near the border. While the gangs were operating in the capacity of organised crime, they were possibly acting with the permission of dissidents.
“Nothing happens in these areas without the approval of republican factions - they either have permission to do it or have to pay a certain portion of the takings.
“Gardai are focused on gathering intelligence - the Emergency Response Unit and specialists in organised crime will be involved in the intervention. It is coming.”
Gardai launch investigation after two ATMs stolen in Kells, Co Meath
Gardai believe those responsible left the scene in a dark coloured crew CAB jeep and a dark coloured Volkswagen car along the Maudlin Road towards Carlanstown, the N52.
In Northern Ireland yesterday there were also two other attacks, with three other cashpoints stolen - gardai believe a total of three separate gangs have been involved in these thefts.
A Tesco was targeted in a double ATM raid in Crumlin, Co Antrim - machines were ripped from the wall of a supermarket by thieves using a digger and tractor during the early hours of Friday.
It is believed the tractor and trailer were stolen from Ballyclare and the digger taken from Dundrod enroute to the crime.
Meanwhile, an ATM was ripped from a shop wall in Drumgor, Craigavon.
Gardai yesterday issued a warning to owners of heavy machinery and appealed to people to store their vehicles securely.
Ulster Bank customers to be hit with new fees for day-to-day transactions
Superintendent Dermot O’Connor, who is leading the hunt, has asked anyone who was in Kells on Good Friday morning between 3.30am and 4.20am and who saw anything unusual to make contact.
He also asked for any person who saw heavy machinery being moved or transported between Ardee and Kells, the N52 or adjoining roads in the early hours of this morning, or any person who may have been driving in that area and who has dashcam footage to contact gardai.
Speaking at the scene yesterday, Supt O’Connor said the crime “ripped the heart of out of the community”.
He said: “This crime was an organised planned attack on the community of Kells.
“This crime is not a victimless crime and will have a significant impact on the community of Kells and the local area over this Easter Bank Holiday weekend.
“I appeal to the local and wider community to support An Garda Síochána and to provide any information to bring these criminals to justice.”
