Trio held after three raid bids

Trio held after three raid bids

5 August 2015

THREE people were arrested on Monday night following a series of attempted robberies in Castlewellan, Ballykinlar and Darragh Cross.

Detectives are exploring a possible link between the incidents, which in two of them involved a man threatening staff with a sword.

The first incident happened in Darragh Cross shortly before 9.45pm when a man with a scarf over his face attempted to gain entry to a shop in the Miskelly Court area. He fled on foot when customers stopped him entering.

About half-an-hour later, a man with a sword threatened staff in a food outlet at Commons Road in Ballykinler. He was chased from the premises and made off empty handed.

Police then received a report of a male acting suspiciously near an off-sales in the Lower Square in Castlewellan shortly before 11pm. 

Ten minutes later a man carrying a sword threatened staff in a service station on the Newcastle Road in Castlewellan. He made his way behind the counter before making off with a number of scratch cards.

A short time later police arrested a 23 year-old woman and two men, aged 18 and 20, on suspicion of robbery and attempted robbery. 

All three suspects remain in custody and are helping police with their enquiries.

Detective Constable Paul Downie is appealing for anyone who witnessed the incidents to contact detectives at Downpatrick police station on the non-emergency number 101. 

Information can also be passed anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.