LAST UPDATE | 19 Apr 2019

GARDAÍ ARE INVESTIGATING after two ATMs were ripped from the wall on John Street in Kells in the early hours of this morning.

Gardaí said that two ATMs were pulled from the main wall of two banks within minutes of each other at about 4.20am this morning.

The ATMs were driven away on the back of a dark coloured crew cab jeep, which left in the direction on the Maudin Road, towards Carnalstown.

A JCB Fastrac tractor and trailer and a excavator remained at scene, both of which were stolen in the Louth and Meath areas overnight.

A significant amount of damage was caused to both premises, which remain closed this afternoon.

The scene is preserved pending technical examination from divisional scenes of crime unit.

It is also reported that two ATMs were stolen overnight in Northern Ireland in Co Armagh and Co Antrim.

The thefts come amid a spate of similar incidents in recent weeks in Northern Ireland and south of the border.

In a statement, Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan said he was “very concerned” at the robberies and said he had been briefed on the issue by Garda Commissioner Drew Harris.

Flanagan said that gardaí were liaising with the Police Service of Northern Ireland in their pursuit of those involved.

Meanwhile, gardaí have appealed for anyone in Kells between 3.30am and 4.20am this morning who saw anything unusual occurring to make contact with them.

They also appealed for anyone who saw heavy machinery being moved or transported between Ardee and Kells, the N52 or adjoining roads in the early hours of this morning to contact them.

Speaking at the scene today, superintendent Dermot O’Conner said the crime was an organised 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,” he said.

“I appeal to the local and wider community to support An Garda Síochána and to provide any information to bring these criminals to justice”.

Gardaí appealed for any information to contact Kells Garda Station on 046 – 9280820, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.

With reporting from Stephen McDermott and Nicky Ryan.