Armed men rob GAA club during weekly bingo

Three men, at least one of whom was armed with a knife, entered the foyer of the Maghera premises on the Tirkane Road at around 8.45pm last night.

At the time a weekly bingo was taking place in the main hall.

A club member, who had been selling bingo books in the foyer, was held at knifepoint by one of the robbers, while a second removed a cash box from under the counter. The third male remained by the front door throughout.

None of the robbers spoke during the incident.

Detective Inspector Will Tate said: “We are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information about this crime to get in touch with us. We would especially like to hear from anyone who may have been in the club carpark or travelling along the Tirkane Road at around the time of the robbery and who may have seen something that could help our investigation. The number to call is 101.”

Alternatively if someone would prefer to provide information without giving their name, they can call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.