Armed robbers target Lisburn service station

At around 10.20am on Sunday two men entered the shop at Mullaghglass Road. One was armed with a handgun and the other a large knife.

The men threatened staff, forcing them to open two tills before removing the contents. The pair also forced staff to fill a large bin liner with cigarettes before making off in a black BMW 3 Series.

The first robber is described as being around 5' 9" tall, of slim build with black straight hair and stubble. He was wearing sunglasses, a black jacket with the collar turned up and black combat trousers. He was armed with a handgun.

The second robber was around 5' 6" tall with short dark hair. He was wearing a distinctive blue hooded top, blue jeans and white trainers. He was armed with a knife.

Both men are believed to be in their early twenties.

The BMW was later recovered by police in the Aitnamona area of West Belfast.

Police are keen to hear from witnesses or anyone who noticed the BMW car or its passengers in either the Mullaghglass Road or Aitnamona areas.

They are especially keen to hear from a number of people who are believed to have approached the shop while the robbery was in progress.

Detectives can be contacted at Lisburn CID by calling 0845 600 8000.