Gardai have launched an investigation following an attempted armed robbery in Laois this morning.
A man, brandishing a knife, entered a filling station in Mountmellick around 6am.
He is believed to have fled the scene after noticing that a number of people were already in the shop, which is located on the Tullamore Road, at the time.
A man was arrested in connection with the incident shortly after and is currently in custody.
Gardai are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.
They say: “Mountmellick Gardaí are investigating an attempted robbery at a business premises in the town this morning at approximately 6am.
“A male was arrested very quickly afterwards and is currently detained.
“Any information or witnesses who where in the Townspark area between 550am and 7am please contact Portlaoise Garda on 0578674100.”
