Man (20s) arrested after attempted armed robbery in Co Laois

A man has been arrested after an attempted armed robbery of a commercial premises in Portlaoise, Co Laois.

Shortly before noon, gardaí responded to a report of an individual who entered a business in the Fairgreen estate brandishing a knife, threatening staff and demanding money from the till.

The man in his 20s was arrested at the scene and held in a Garda station in Co Laois.

He has since been charged and is expected to appear before a sitting of Portlaoise District Court on Monday.

Gardaí say investigations are ongoing.