A robbery attempt in the Irish Town community turned fatal early yesterday morning when two of the thieves were chopped to death, one injured and another is on the run.

It is alleged that the men attempted to rob a shop in the community when a passer-by saw the activity and alerted the residents.

According to the police, the four robbers who drove a white Toyota Caldina, broke into the shop after the owner had closed it for the night.

The officer told THE WEEKEND STAR that a man who had passed the shop saw the car and it arose his suspicion. Further investigation by the resident revealed that the shop was being robbed and he alerted other residents.

The angry residents attacked the robbers and two of the men were chopped to death and another seriously injured. It is claimed that one of the men had lived in the community some years ago.