Man withdrawing cash threatened with claw hammer

A MAN armed with a claw hammer attempted to rob another man as he used a cash machine in Dungannon yesterday (Wednesday) afternoon, the PSNI have revealed.

The victim managed to run away and no money was taken, but police say he has been “understandably shaken” by the incident.

Detective Constable McCaffrey said, “It was reported that around 4pm, a man was withdrawing cash from an ATM  in the Thomas Street area of Dungannon, when he noticed a small vehicle, which is described as being ‘charcoal grey’ in colour, pull up behind him.

“A man, who had his face covered, approached the victim, armed with a claw hammer.

“The victim managed to run away and no money was taken but he is understandably shaken by the incident.

“The suspect, who is described as approximately 5′ 8” tall and was wearing a dark coloured puffa type jacket then got back into the grey vehicle which drove off towards Thomas Street roundabout.”

The detective added, “I would appeal for anyone who was in the area at the time or may have captured any dashcam footage to contact police on 101 quoting reference 1242 of 24/3/21.”

A report can also be made online using theb non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/. You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/