ARMED raiders used a deadly new ploy in their bid to evade capture from a local bank heist last Friday - spraying their getaway route with specially made iron spikes, immediately bursting the tyres of chasing garda patrol cars. Even innocent civilians travelling in the vacinity had their tyres punctured by the inch and a half long metal spurs as mayhem ensued following the robbery.

It is believed the use of the spikes is a manoeuvre only employed in one other raid in the country in recent times.

The metal spikes which were tossed from the raiders' car, a red Audi, were 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.

The drama occurred in Dunleer at 4.05pm when two men entered the local branch of the Bank of Ireland and after holding up staff made off with a bag of cash, believed to be less than € 15,000.

After jumping into a waiting getaway car, the trio of bandits raced at speed down the Barn Road towards Clogherhead but close to the railway bridge near the Bitech factory, they hurled a huge number of the spikes from the vehicle, virtually blocking the road as chasing vehicles raced onto them, piercing and deflating their tyres.

Gardai will be greatly concerned by the use of the spikes, which can be used to immobilise pursuit cars.

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 anything suspicious to come forward.

- Christine DOHERTY