Three teenage boys have been arrested after an attempted armed robbery at an off-licence in Co Westmeath.
The incident happened at a store on the Ashe Road in Mullingar town at around 8.10pm on Tuesday.
One of the boys threatened a staff member with what appeared to be a hand gun.
It is understood that a member of staff fended off the three teens before they left the store empty-handed.
Gardai were alerted and arrested all three teenagers a short time later, with officers also finding an imitation hand gun.
The teenagers, two aged 15 and one aged 17, are currently being held for questioning at Mullingar Garda Station.
A garda spokesman added the scene is currently preserved for examination, and that investigations are ongoing.
