Woman threatened with screwdriver during armed robbery in Co Antrim

By Claudia Savage, Press Association

A man has been arrested after a woman had a screwdriver held to her throat during an armed robbery in Carrickfergus, Co Antrim.

The “terrifying ordeal” occurred at an off-licence on Friday evening when a man reportedly entered the shop and grabbed a female member of staff, threatening her with a pointed item and demanding cash.

Police said she was then forced into the back of the store and she and a colleague were made to obtain cash, while the man began punching and kicking the male member of staff.

The man working in the shop was then stabbed in the side with the screwdriver before both staff members were able to escape while the attacker was distracted.

This was a terrifying ordeal for the off-licence staff, who showed great presence of mind in being able to escape from the store

A PSNI spokesperson said: “Our local policing team flooded the area.

“After they spotted a man nearby who matched the description provided by staff, a foot chase ensued. When officers caught up with the man, a struggle followed during which an officer was punched, before the man was detained.

“The 34-year-old was arrested on suspicion of offences including robbery, two counts of assault on police, aggravated burglary, two counts of common assault and false imprisonment.

“He remains in custody at this time.”

They added: “Our detectives will now take this investigation forward, but this was great work by the response officers who found the suspect so quickly.

“This was a terrifying ordeal for the off-licence staff, who showed great presence of mind in being able to escape from the store.

“We’re relieved that, although shaken, by their experience, neither sustained serious injury.

“Our inquiries are ongoing and we would appeal to anyone with information to contact our team.”