'Terrifying ordeal' as man is arrested following a reported armed robbery in Carrickfergus
Police in Carrickfergus have made an arrest following a reported armed robbery at an off-licence in the town.
Detective Inspector Gallagher, of Criminal Investigations Department outlined that at 8.10pm on Friday evening (July 31), police received a report that a man had entered the store a short time before, grabbed a female member of staff from behind and held a pointed item to her throat while demanding cash.
It was reported that she was forced into the back of the store, where her colleague was working. The two were made to obtain cash for the man, who began punching and kicking the male member of staff. He was also stabbed in the side with the pointed item - later found to a be a screwdriver. The two staff members were able to escape while the man was distracted.
Mr Gallagher said: "Our local policing team flooded the area. After they spotted a man nearby who matched the description provided by staff, a foot chase ensued. When officers caught up with the man, a struggle followed during which an officer was punched, before the man was detained.
"The 34-year-old was arrested on suspicion of offences including robbery, two counts of assault on police, aggravated burglary, two counts of common assault and false imprisonment. He remains in custody at this time."
Detective Inspector Gallagher continued: "Our detectives will now take this investigation forward, but this was great work by the response officers who found the suspect so quickly.
"This was a terrifying ordeal for the off-licence staff, who showed great presence of mind in being able to escape from the store. We're relieved that, although shaken, by their experience, neither sustained serious injury.
"Our enquiries are ongoing, and we would appeal to anyone with information to contact our team on 101, quoting ref 1566 31/07/26."