Staff threatened at gunpoint during robberies at three shops

POLICE believe the same gang was responsible for armed robberies of three shops in the Mid Ulster area this morning.

Lynch’s SPAR in Clonoe was one of three local shops targeted in the area, with similar attacks reported in Coagh and Ballyronan this morning between 6.50am and shortly after 7am.

It is believed that all three incidents were carried out by two masked men, one of whom was armed with a handgun, who got away with a sum of cash and a quantity of cigarettes in a blue Audi A6 which was driven by a third man and believed to have been stolen.

It’s been reported one staff member in his 20s was forced to empty the till by the masked men when they burst into Lynch’s shop shortly after 7am.

Police have renewed their appeal for information about the attacks.

“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,” said a PSNI spokesperson.

“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.