There has been condemnation after a number of shops in the Mid Ulster area were targeted in early morning armed robberies, including a member of staff having a gun pointed to his head.
Police confirmed three different stores were targeted in the incidents between around 6.50am and 7am, including a Spar shop in Clonoe, a filling station on the Ballinderry Bridge Road in Coagh and a supermarket on Shore Road in Ballyronan.
In the first incident two masked men armed with a handgun entered the store and threatened staff, placing a weapon to the head of one man forcing him to open the till.
Police said the robbers made off with a sum of cash, travelling in a vehicle driven by a third man.
In the second robbery once again two men armed with a handgun threatened staff, placing the gun to the head of one staff member, before making off with cash and a quantity of cigarettes.
The third store was robbed at gunpoint, with the suspects again making off with cash.
Local Sinn Fein MLA Linda Dillon posted on social media: “Our local shop in Clonoe, Lynch’s has been robbed at gunpoint this morning. Shops in Coagh & Ballinderry have also been robbed at gunpoint and staff have been left traumatised.
“I have been at the scene to check on staff and thankfully no one has been hurt.
“Anyone with any information should contact the PSNI immediately.”
In a statement she added: “The robbery of a number of shops in the area this morning is absolutely shameful.
“I would like to offer my full support to employees in those shops, particularly those working there at the time.
“I am appealing for anyone particularly in Clonoe, Coagh, Ballinderry and Ballyronan areas with information to immediately bring it forward to the PSNI.”
SDLP Patsy McGlone wrote on Facebook: “Anyone who saw anything out of the ordinary around the location of either shop, especially around 7.00 this morning, please pass details on to Police Mid Ulster.
“I’ve called with the owners and staff this morning and I truly hope those responsible are caught and put behind bars.”
SDLP Torrent councillor Malachi Quinn added: “I’ve just been informed of a robbery at Spar on the Moor Road, which the PSNI are treating as an armed robbery. This is one of three incidents this morning, with further robberies reported in Ballyronan and Coagh. This is nothing short of an attack on our community
“Absolutely disgusted to wake up to this news. Everyone knows the massive role Spar plays in our community – not just as a shop but through donations to local charities, sports clubs, and community initiatives. The scumbags who carried out these robberies offer nothing to our communities but fear and distress.
“My thoughts are with the staff who were put through this ordeal – they should not have to face this in their workplace.”
PSNI Detective Inspector Handley said: “We believe the vehicle used by the robbers, a blue Audi A6, was stolen early this morning from outside an address in Portadown whilst the vehicle had been left running to warm up. It was subsequently found on fire at Drumcree Community Centre at around 8.40am.
“Thankfully no one was injured during any of these robberies however staff have been left understandably shocked by the ordeal they experienced.
“Anyone with any information or who may have captured CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage that could assist investigators, is asked to contact police by calling 101, quoting reference 201 30/01/25.”