A VEHICLE used to pull a security grille from the wall and metal spikes thrown from a speeding getaway car – these are the hallmarks of a highly organised criminal gang.

Similar in many respects to ATM robberies, the Dunleer bank raiders were armed, masked and fast – carrying out their terrifying crime in less than 10 minutes.

The metal spikes which they tossed out their window of red Audi, were 10cm and three sided.

They had been specially welded using the internal metal rods found in concrete blocks.

'These were like works of art, someone had spent time making these and welding them before they were scattered all over the Barn Road,' said one eyewitness.

An investigation team has been set up in Drogheda under superintendent, Gerry Smith.

He has appealed for help from the general public particularly in relation to the gang's getaway car which is believed to have been the red Audi, found burned out at the Community Centre, Dillonstown, later that night, January 29th.

Gardaí are unsure if there is any connection between the robbery and a VW Golf which was found on fire at Clonore estate, Ardee on the same night. But they are not ruling it out at the moment.

Superintendent Gerry Smith has appealed for any witnesses who may have been on Main Street, Dunleer or in the vicinity of the bank on last Friday between 3pm and 4.15pm and who may have seen the occupants of a Carina or the red Audi

They are also looking for anyone who saw anything suspicious around the time that the red Audi was burned at Dillonstown or saw another car there before the red car was burned out.

Gardaí are also looking for any information in relation to the VW Golf, which went on fire at Clonmore, Ardee.