Handgun and hatchet used in Forkhill Credit Union robbery

Detectives in Newry are appealing for information following an armed robbery of a local Credit Union in the Main Street area of Forkhill last night (Friday 23rd November).

Shortly after 7:30pm three masked men entered the premises armed with a hatchet and what appeared to be a black handgun. The robbers threatened staff before making of with a sum of money. It is believed they made off in a silver coloured VW Golf.

A PSNI Spokesman added, “Anyone who witnessed the robbery or who has any information is asked to contact detectives at Newry CID on 0845 600 8000. Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Newry and Armagh Sinn Féin MLA Megan Fearon described the robbery as a “vicious and mean criminal act”. The local MLA was speaking after details of the robbery emerged.

Speaking to Newry Times, Fearon stated, “Staff were confronted by robbers and threatened with violence and forced to hand over monies belonging to the Credit Union. This was a vicious and mean criminal act.”

Slieve Gullion area Newry and Mourne Councillor Anthony Flynn, who visited some of the members of the staff of the Credit Union, echoed the sentiments of his Sinn Fein colleague.

“This was a traumatic experience for the Credit Union Staff,” said Anthony. “The Slieve Gullion Credit Union and its staff serve the people of south Armagh well. It is a much needed community service. Those who have carried out this dastardly robbery care little about anyone but themselves.

“This was not only an attack on the Credit Union and its staff, but also an attack on the community. Those engaged in these criminal acts must be apprehended and face the full rigours of the law.”

Both elected representatives appealed for anyone with any information about the robbery to contact the PSNI.

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Posted by Newry Times News on Nov 24 2012. Filed under Community, News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry