An off-duty Garda had a firearm pointed at him as he foiled a cash-in-transit robbery in Meath yesterday.

A security man was collecting cash at a shopping centre in Ratoath about midday yesterday when a man came towards him waving what appeared to be a gun in his direction.

The man, who was dressed in black, demanded the cash box and then fled.

He got into a waiting grey Renault Kangoo van, driven by another man, which drove off at speed.

The garda, who was off duty, saw the robbery and pursued the van into a nearby housing estate.

He then boxed in the van using his own car.

The suspects got out of their van and pointed a firearm at the unarmed Garda.

After a brief stand-off the men dropped the gun and cash box, and fled into nearby fields.

Gardaí have searched the area and recovered black clothing they believe was used during the robbery but have not yet found the men.

Anyone with information has been asked to contact Ashbourne Garda station on (01) 8010600