Navan bank raid may be linked to other incident

An armed robbery at the Bank of Ireland branch in Navan last Friday and a second raid on a pharmacy in Johntown village the next day are believed to be linked. At around 3.55pm on Friday 20th April, a lone male entered the Bank of Ireland at Market Square, brandishing what appeared to be a handgun. He was wearing a hoodie and ski mask to conceal his identity. He approached the counter, threatened a cashier and demanded cash. The lone raider left the scene on foot with a small sum of money, believed to be in the region of €350. There were a number of staff members and customers in the bank branch at the time. It is understood that no shots were fired and nobody was injured. After leaving the bank, the raider ran down Ludlow Street and up Church Hill. He is described as being 5' 7" to 5' 10" in height and was wearing a grey hoodie, black top and runners. He had a ski mask covering his face and spoke with a Dublin accent. Anybody who was in the vicinity of Market Square, Ludlow Street or Church Hill who noticed anything suspicious on Friday afternoon is asked to contact Navan gardai. A second armed robbery, which occurred the next day in Johnstown village, is also being investigated. At around 4.55pm, a lone male entered Staunton's Pharmacy in Johnstown, and pointed what appeared to be a handgun at staff and customers. He demanded cash and drugs but appears to have been spooked and fled the scene empty-handed. He is described as being 5' 6" to 5' 8" and was wearing a grey hoodie and tracksuit with a scarf covering his face. He spoke with a Dublin accent. Gardai are again appealing for any witnesses to contact them.