Updated 3.26pm

THREE MEN HAVE been arrested by gardaí following a post office robbery in Co Donegal.

Gardaí were alerted by the PSNI shortly before 10am that a Royal Mail van had been hijacked in Co Derry, and was seen driving in the direction of Donegal.

The robbery took place a short time later in Manorcunnigham at 10.15am.

The men, armed with a knife, a hammer, and a sledgehammer or hatchet, threatened staff before fleeing the scene and a sum of money.

A “considerable amount of damage” was caused to the post office during the incident, gardaí say.

The van was stopped by gardaí a short time later in the border village of Killea, and thee men, aged in their 20s and 30s, were arrested. They are being held at Letterkenny and Buncrana.

PSNI Inspector Sam Shearer said the three males who hijacked the Royal Mail van were ” thereafter involved in an armed robbery in Manor Cunningham, County Donegal”.

“As the result of a subsequent PSNI/AGS operation, the three males were arrested a short time later in and around the border area near to the Creggan Reservoir.  All three males are currently assisting police enquiries with our colleagues in An Garda Siochana.

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses or anyone who may have any information to contact them in Letterkenny on 074 9167100, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.