Detectives in Mid Ulster are investigating armed robbery of shop in County Derry village

Detectives in Mid Ulster are investigating three armed robberies at shops in Ballyronan, Coagh and Clonoe this morning, Thursday 30 January.

The first robbery at a filling station on the Ballinderry Bridge Road in Coagh took place at around 6.50am. Two masked men armed with a handgun entered the store and threatened staff, placing a weapon to the head of one man forcing him to open the till. The robbers made off with a sum of cash, travelling in a vehicle driven by a third man.

The second robbery happened at a supermarket on Shore Road in Ballyronan and was reported just before 7am this morning. Again two men armed with a handgun, threatened staff, placing the gun to the head of one staff member, before making off with cash and a quantity of cigarettes.

A short time later the third armed robbery was reported. This time a shop on Moor Road in Clonoe was robbed at gunpoint, with the suspects again making off with cash.

Detective Inspector Handley said: “We believe the vehicle used by the robbers, a blue Audi A6, was stolen early this morning from outside an address in Portadown whilst the vehicle had been left running to warm up. It was subsequently found on fire at Drumcree Community Centre at around 8.40am.

Thankfully no one was injured during any of these robberies however staff have been left understandably shocked by the ordeal they experienced.

Anyone with any information or who may have captured CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage that could assist investigators, is asked to contact police by calling 101, quoting reference 201 30/01/25. Information can also be submitted online via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ .”

You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org 

Sinn Féin MLA Linda Dillon has condemned a number of armed robberies and attempted robberies in Mid Ulster this morning and has appealed for information. 

The Mid Ulster MLA said:

“The robbery of a number of shops in the area this morning is absolutely shameful.

“I would like to offer my full support to employees in those shops, particularly those working there at the time. 

“I am appealing for anyone particularly in Clonoe, Coagh, Ballinderry and Ballyronan areas with information to immediately bring it forward to the PSNI.”