A worker at a filling station in Middletown, County Armagh, experienced a frightening ordeal when a masked gunman robbed the bureau de change on the premises on Saturday afternoon. The employee was not physically harmed during the incident, which occurred at approximately 13:00 BST on the Monaghan Road.
The suspect, whose face was concealed and who wore a hood, brandished what police believe to be a small handgun while demanding money from the staff member. After obtaining cash, the assailant fled the scene in a blue Volkswagen Passat, leaving the worker visibly distressed by the experience.
This robbery is part of a concerning pattern of armed incidents across the region. In recent weeks, armed robberies have targeted retail premises in the area, including an off-licence robbery in Carrickfergus on 1 August 2026 where a worker was assaulted with a screwdriver, and separate incidents involving firearms have been reported in other locations.
Police investigation underway
Detectives are appealing for witnesses who were in the vicinity of the Monaghan Road filling station at the time of the robbery. Anyone who observed the incident, noticed the blue Volkswagen Passat in the area, or has other relevant information is urged to contact police. The investigation is ongoing as officers work to identify and locate the suspect.
Key Facts
- The armed robbery occurred at a bureau de change located within a filling station in Middletown, County Armagh
- The incident took place on Saturday at approximately 13:00 BST on the Monaghan Road
- The suspect was masked and hooded, carrying what is believed to be a small handgun
- The getaway vehicle was identified as a blue Volkswagen Passat
- The employee was not injured during the robbery
