Staff shakenafter Longstone bank robbery

At approximately 9.50am the robber - who claimed that he was armed - went into the bank and demanded staff fill a bag with cash.

The man indicated he had a gun, although no firearm was seen. He then made off with a sum of money.

Staff were left badly shaken but there were no reports of any injuries.

The male is described as being approximately 5’9” - 5’10” tall, in his 20s, slim build, with a long brown fringe.

Local Councillor and DPP member Paul Stewart condemned the robbery and urged anyone with information or who saw anything unusual in the area to report it to the PSNI.

“I would urge the whole community to be on high alert coming up to Christmas and report anything suspicious to the local police.” Mr Stewart said.

“I will also be speaking to the police and asking them to increase police patrols in our towns and Villages coming up to the Christmas shopping period.”

Anyone who has any information about the incident is asked to contact detectives at Lisburn CID on 0845 600 8000. Or, if someone would prefer to provide information without giving their details, they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111.

In as statement the Bank said: “Ulster Bank can confirm an incident took place at its Longstone Street branch on Monday morning. The PSNI are currently investigating.”

[email protected]