Armed and masked gang rob filling station in Maghera

It happened at Church Street in Maghera at about 9pm on Tuesday. The men threatened staff before escaping with cash.

No-one was injured, but people who were working in the shop at the time were said to be left badly shaken by their ordeal. Police have appealed for information.

Mid Ulster DUP Councillor James Shiels, has condemned the “actions of thugs who care nothing for the workers or our local community.”

This robbery must have been a dreadful experience for the at threatened workers.

“Once again masked men have demonstrated their willingness to use the threat of being armed to carry out this robbery,” he said.

“This is a deplorable incident and had panic occurred then it is too terrible to think what the consequences of this robbery might have been.

“Employees in filling stations, fast food bars and local shops are easy targets for the gangsters. The staff are unprotected especially when the thieves are armed and make threats either verbally or physically. The impact of such robberies on employees can be lasting and may take some take time to get over.

“The PSNI cannot address these robberies in isolation. The police need support from the public to put those who carry out such violent crimes behind bars.”