Athlone Gardai searching for man who fled after stealing Range Rover in morning break-in

Gardai in Athlone are continuing to search for a man who stole a Range Rover during a burglary at a property in the Baylough area of the town earlier this morning (Tuesday).

The Garda helicopter was called into use in an effort to help find the man, but up to the time of writing he has been able to evade arrest.

He is reported to have carried out the burglary in Baylough at approximately 5.40am, taking the keys of a Range Rover which he then used to drive to the Cushla area of Monksland.

The man abandoned the vehicle in Cushla and fled on foot. He was pursued by the Garda helicopter but it's understood he escaped into thick woodlands near Cushla, where he couldn't be seen from the air.

An Athlone Garda spokesperson told the Westmeath Independent that the break-in at the property in Baylough was the only one to have been reported to the Gardai to date, but it was possible further incidents earlier today could be reported as the day goes on.

The Gardai don't have a description of the male at present, but anyone who witnessed anything suspicious in the wider Baylough area between 5am and 6am today is being asked to contact Athlone Garda Station on 09064 98550.