Armed robbery condemned

The incident occurred at a retail premises in the Oakland Park area of Carrickfergus at approximately 6.20pm on Thursday, December 28.

A male entered the shop carrying a suspected handgun and demanded that staff fill two carrier bags with money and tobacco.

The man was described as being aged in his 30s-40s, around 5’10”- 5’11” in height, of slim build and wearing a black jacket and blue latex gloves.

He had a hood with drawstrings which was pulled down over the top of his face and the rest of his face was also covered so that only his eyes were visible. He spoke with a local accent.

The man made off on foot with a sum of cash and a quantity of tobacco in two green-coloured bags and was seen running from the scene towards Cormorant Park.

Urging anyone with information to contact the police, East Antrim Alliance MLA, Stewart Dickson said: “This is a shocking ordeal for staff. Anyone with information should speak to the PSNI or call Crimestoppers.”

Condemning the incident, East Antrim UUP MLA, John Stewart said: “What an absolutely disgusting and cowardly act carried out by a total lowlife.

“It’s hard enough for our local family run businesses without being the victims of armed robbery!!

“My thoughts are with the owners and staff who had to endure this terrible ordeal but knowing them as I do, I have no doubt they would all rally round and get back to trading straight away.

“Please, if anyone has any information at all regarding this incident contact PSNI on 101.”

Carrick PUP representative, Jim McCaw said: “This is another cowardly act. The PSNI must pursue these thugs and the courts must bring the full force of the law. Anyone with any information should contact the PSNI.”

Police are urging anyone with information to contact officers at Larne Police Station on 101, quoting incident reference number 1091 of 28/12/17.

Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800555111.