A man working in an off-licence was kicked, punched and stabbed in the side with a screwdriver during an armed robbery in Carrickfergus, County Antrim, on Friday. Police received a report at 20:10 BST that a man had entered the store, grabbed a woman worker from behind and held a pointed item to her throat while demanding cash.
What happened inside the store?
Det Insp Gallagher, of the PSNI's Criminal Investigations Department, said she was
"forced into the back of the store"where her colleague was working and they were made to obtain cash for the man. He then began
"punching and kicking"the male member of staff, who was also stabbed in the side with the pointed item.
The police said the two staff members were able to escape while the man was distracted.
"This was a terrifying ordeal for the off-licence staff, who showed great presence of mind in being able to escape from the store,"Gallagher said.
"We're relieved that, although shaken, by their experience, neither sustained serious injury,"Gallagher added.
How was the suspect arrested?
A man was then
"spotted"nearby by local police officers who had
"flooded"the area and chased him. An officer was punched before the man was detained.
A 34-year-old was arrested on suspicion of robbery, two counts of assault on police, aggravated burglary, two counts of common assault and false imprisonment, and remains in custody.
Key Facts
- The robbery happened at an off-licence in Carrickfergus, County Antrim, on Friday.
- Police were called at 20:10 BST after a man entered the store and threatened staff with a pointed item.
- A female worker was grabbed from behind and held at throat-point while cash was demanded.
- A male colleague was punched, kicked and stabbed in the side with the pointed item.
- A 34-year-old man was arrested and remains in custody.
