Gardaí have launched an investigation after a car smashed into a shop front in Cork city prior to fleeing the scene.
The shocking CCTV footage shows a car speeding along the road before it crashes into the storefront at Hennessy's Centra on Victoria's Cross before the driver of the vehicle reverses and drives away.
A car was subsequently located nearby by Gardaí with extensive damage and it is understood that they are now following a definite line of inquiry.
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It is understood that the cost of damage to the store, which has been described as "demolished" following the incident, is estimated to be in the tens of thousands of euros.
Photos released from the scene of the incident show glass strewn all across the floor, the ceiling hanging from its wires and doors busted in.
Footage shows the car being driven down Victoria Cross Road. It was captured on tape early on Sunday morning, with Gardaí explaining the crash occurred at around 5am.
Speaking to CorkBeo, shop owner Ger Hennessey said this morning he received a call that said: "a car went through the front door".
"I got the call and was told to come down and when I did, it was demolished,” Hennessey told the publication.
"The car and the driver had sped and fled the scene. It went right through three bollards out of the front."
Ger added that while he was initially told it would not be possible to open until Tuesday or Wednesday, some people thankfully got to work helping the business reopen by that afternoon.
He also thanked the staff and everyone who helped get the store running, as well as locals who called in to check on everyone.
"The lads from EBO Home Rescue have been working non-stop since 7am. They were fantastic,” he added.
A spokesperson for the Gardaí told CorkBeo: "Gardaí attended a road traffic collision that occurred on Victoria Cross Road, Bishopstown, at approximately 5am this morning, Saturday, February 18 2023.
"No injuries were reported, investigations are ongoing."
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