A business owner who was injured when he foiled the armed robbery of his premises has been praised for his bravery.
Jim McIntyre.
The incident occurred at around 2.15pm yesterday afternoon at a business in the Diamond area of Castlederg.
A man, armed with a knife, entered the premises and demanded money. He fled the premises empty handed as a result of the actions of the shop owner and was driven away in a blue Nissan Micra on the Lurganboy Road.
The car was later found abandoned in Lifford in Co Donegal.
The shop owner had to receive medical treatment for non-life threatening injuries sustained in the incident.
The owner has been commended for his bravery by Jim McIntyre, SDLP candidate in the upcoming local government elections.
Condemning the attempted robbery as “disgusting,” Mr McIntyre appealed to anyone with information about the incident to contact police.
Mr McIntyre said: “This attempted robbery of a small business in the Diamond area of Castlederg Town centre is a disgusting act committed by those who apparently have no respect for the community or work of small businesses.
“It is believed one man, armed with a knife, entered the premises and demanded money.
“My thoughts go to the owner of the business who had to endure this awful and stressful ordeal and should be commended for their brave actions which stopped the robbery and resulted in the thug leaving the business empty handed.”
Mr McIntyre concluded: “January is a difficult time for many small businesses without this cowardly threat and attack. There has been a spate of attempted robberies across the North West in recent weeks and I would ask that all business owners be vigilant and contact the police should they notice any suspicious activity.”
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