by Q Radio News
Police cordoned off the Applegreen service station outside ballymena for a time today following an armed robbery.
Four men, one of whom was armed with a handgun, entered the premises just after 2am.
Police say the gunman hid behind the till and instructed a member of staff to serve a female customer.
He then produced clear plastic bin bags and instructed the employee to fill them with cigarettes.
Cash and the contents of a charity box was also taken.
The employee was then tied to a drinks machine with his own belt and a piece of wire.
He managed to free himself after a period of time and raise the alarm.
Police say the suspects were dressed in black coats, dark-coloured bottoms and wearing white ski masks and gloves.
Detectives are keen to speak to the female customer, unwittingly entered the premises during the incident.
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