Three men were arrested after an armed robbery in Dublin early today. Gardai recovered cash, a weapon and a stolen car during the hold-up at Molloy's off-licence at Swiss Cottage in Santry.
The robbers, all wearing balaclavas, tried to escape in a stolen Volvo as Gardai from Santry station arrived at the scene just after midnight.
One was carrying a sawn-off shotgun.
The vehicle was blocked by a Garda car which was rammed by the raiders, who then abandoned the car and ran off.
One of them hi-jacked an unmarked Garda control car but he was blocked by other police vehicles.
He then jumped into a taxi and threatened the driver. A short time later he was overpowered and his weapon seized.
His two accomplices tried to make off through neighbouring gardens but were caught by gardai giving chase.
The three men are being held at Santry Station under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act, which means they can be held for 72 hours.