The man entered the Eurospar at Applewood in Swords last Thursday night and bypassed the shop's security system using codes allegedly given to him by a former employee.

He made his way up the stairs to the manager's office where he confronted the manager, who was counting the day's takings.

He punched the manager in the face and snatched around 20,000 in cash before running down the stairs and fleeing the store.

Other staff members and customers soon became aware that something had occurred and watched the man from a distance as he made his escape.

Gardai were on the scene within minutes and were given a detailed description of the robber. The man was apprehended close to the shop within a short period of time. He had been struggling to run and surrendered without incident.

He was taken to Swords garda station and officers became aware that there was something wrong with his health and called a doctor.

The doctor called an ambulance and the man was rushed to Beaumont Hospital. He told detectives that he is seriously ill with leukemia and was trying to get enough money to get home to Moldova.

He is co-operating with gardai and told them that a named former staff member at the Eurospar provided him with the security codes and encouraged him to carry out the robbery. The employee was subsequently detained by gardai and is helping them with their enquiries.

It is unclear when the ill man will be released from hospital. He is currently being assessed by staff to determine what exactly is wrong with him and he will then be given any necessary medical treatment.

Two armed detectives are on 24-hour duty at his bedside and it is likely that he will be charged with robbery and assault when he is eventually released. A file on the alleged involvement of the former staff member will be sent to the DPP.

A source said: "This is a highly unusual robbery in that the alleged perpetrator appears to be quite ill. He had barely covered any distance when we arrested him." The manager of the Eurospar was not seriously injured during the robbery.