Bank is robbed in Castlewellan raid

Bank is robbed in Castlewellan raid

4 July 2012 - by David Telford

THE Ulster Bank branch in Castlewellan has been robbed at gunpoint.

A man armed with a firearm entered the bank at Upper Square shortly before 11am yesterday morning and threatened staff before escaping with a cash box, which was found abandoned a short distance away at the Newcastle Road with smoke coming out of it.

It is understood the robber may have stolen some money, with reports that a quantity of cash was still in the box when it was recovered.

The robbery, which happened as a security firm was delivering cash to the Castlewellan bank, has been condemned by South Down MP Margaret Ritchie and local councillors Stephen Burns and Eamonn O’Neill.

Miss Ritchie said the robbery must have been a traumatic experience for bank staff and customers. She said it’s “totally reprehensible” that people should manipulate the unfortunate situation the Ulster Bank finds itself in at present, whereby depositors are finding it difficult to access their accounts.

Councillor Stephen Burns, who arrived at the bank shortly after the incident, said the doors of the branch had been closed with the staff still inside.

“The security van which had been making the cash delivery was parked outside with its hazard warning lights flashing,” he continued. “The cash box must obviously have been alarmed so it looks like whoever was responsible for the robbery didn’t get away with much. However, this is a still a shocking incident,” he said.

Councillor Burns said there was a heavy police presence in Castlewellan town centre following yesterday’s incident and hopes the robber will be apprehended.

He added: “My thoughts are with the staff at the Castlewellan branch at this time. What they experienced during this robbery must have been deeply upsetting.”

Councillor O’Neill said the robbery must have been “terrifying” for all involved. He said the use of weapons is particularly worrying and will have made for an intensely frightening experience for any witnesses.

Police investigating the incident have issued an appeal for information and are keen to speak with anyone who was in the vicinity of the Ulster Bank at the time of yesterday’s incident.

Anyone who believes they can help is asked to contact detectives in Downpatrick on 0845 600 8000, or use the confidential Crimestoppers number 0800 555 111.