Forensics experts were today examining the remains of a burned out car in connection with the hunt for an armed gang who pulled off one of the world's biggest ever bank robberies.
Up to 20 raiders stole at least £20m from the vaults of Belfast's Northern Bank, which were packed ahead of Christmas. Police believe the robbers may have had inside information and paramilitary help, in view of the military precision employed in the raid on the Donegall Square West bank.
Late last night the vehicle that may have been used in the raid was found burned out in Drumkeeragh Forest, Co Down, between Ballynahinch and Castlewellan in the south of the province. According to sources in the area, a female hostage was left in the forest on Monday night. She is believed to have walked barefoot to a house for help, and was later suffering from exposure as a result of her ordeal.
On Sunday night, gang members went to the homes of two senior Northern Bank officials in Dunmurry, near south Belfast, and Loughinisland, Co Down. With their families held hostage, the men went to work on Monday morning with instructions to behave normally.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/crime/article/0,2763,1378662,00.html