Customers thwart armed robbery in Carrickfergus shop

Q Newsdesk

Customers at a shop in Carrickfergus have thwarted an armed robbery.

A man wearing a balaclava, and armed with a baseball bat entered the premises on Bridewell Drive shortly after 7 last night.

He demanded a member of staff to put money and cigarettes into a holdall.

Other shoppers challenged the man - and took the bag off him.

He then fled empty handed.

He's described as being aged in his 50's, of medium build, and was wearing a combat jacket.

A PSNI spokesperson said:

"It was reported that at around 7.20pm a male armed with a baseball bat entered a shop and demanded that a member of staff place money and cigarettes into a holdall."

"The assailant was challenged by customers who were in the shop at the time and were able to retrieve the holdall from him."

" He then made off on foot empty handed.  He is described as being aged in his 50s, of medium build and was wearing a dark coloured balaclava and combat jacket."

"Detective Sergeant Robinson is appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident or anyone with any information to contact Detectives on 101, quoting reference 972 05/01/19."

"Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime."