Coleraine building society raid: investigations ongoing

It is understood that an employee was kidnapped from his home in the Ballbogey area, and forced to unlock cash vaults.

Detectives in Coleraine have issued an appeal for information in connection with the incident.

Detective Sergeant Kelly Gallagher said: “We are keen to speak to anyone who saw a grey Seat Leon with three males on-board in the area of Coleraine town centre around 10.30pm and then later heading off in the direction of Bushmills/Dunseverick around 11.30pm.”

Police will be speaking to the victims of this incident later this morning to gain a fuller account of what happened.

Anyone with information can contact police on the non-emergency number 101. Alternatively information can be provided anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

The Nationwide Building Society in Coleraine was closed on Monday as police continued their investigations.

A spokesman for the Nationwide said: “We are aware of the incident at the Coleraine branch and are liaising with the police as they continue with their investigation.

“The welfare of our employees is always our first priority and we will always offer support and counselling, where necessary, to those impacted by events of this nature.”

A PSNI spokesman said: “Police are aware of an incident at a building society in the Diamond area of Coleraine and investigations are continuing.”