MASKED MEN STOLE a cash box containing a ‘substantial amount of money’ during a a raid on a cash-in-transit van earlier today.

However, they may be very easy to spot.

The incident happened outside an Aldi in Bagenalstown, Carlow, at around 3pm today.

Two men pulled up outside the shop in a black BMW coupe while a security van was making a collection.

Witnesses said one of the men was armed with what appeared to be a firearm, although no shots were fired.

After threatening a security guard and taking the cash box, the two men fled the scene in the BMW.

However, all of the money has since been recovered by gardaí, and was found destroyed by red dye after the cash box exploded – a common security mechanism.

“The raiders may have been exposed to red dye and this is an important appeal point,” a spokesperson for gardaí said.

This was discovered on Dunleckney Road a short time later. The BMW used in the incident has not been recovered.

Anyone with any information, or who have seen the car at the Aldi or witnessed suspicious activity on Dunleckney Road, is asked to contact Bagenalstown Garda Station on 059-9774120, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800-666-111 or any Garda Station.