Two teenagers were being questioned by gardaí in Limerick last night following two failed post office raids.
An attempt was made to rob the post office in Garryowen in Limerick city shortly after it opened yesterday morning.
Two 18-year-old youths, one armed with a handgun, entered the premises at about 9.30am. However, staff managed to lock themselves in another room. The thieves did not succeed in stealing anything.
Less than two hours later, while gardaí attended the scene of the first attempted raid, the same teenagers tried to rob another post office on the outskirts of Limerick.
At 11am they entered the post office in Clonlara, and produced a firearm demanding cash.
Again they left without any money, and their car was intercepted a short time later by a patrol car attached to Henry Street Garda station.
A green Toyota Corolla was stopped on Corbally Road. The youths were arrested under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act, and a firearm was recovered.
One of the suspects was detained last night at Henry Street Garda station, while the other was being questioned at Mayorstone Garda station.
A Garda spokesman said yesterday it was believed that the pair were involved in both incidents.
Detectives are also reviewing CCTV footage.