Man and daughter held hostage during robbery

It has emerged that a man and his 18-month-old daughter were held hostage during the robbery of a fast food restaurant in Co Down on Sunday.

Two men, one with a handgun, forced their way into a house in the Barcroft area of Newry at 8.30pm and ordered the man’s partner to drive to a Burger King restaurant near the Quays Shopping Centre and empty the safe.

The man and his daughter were held captive at the house while the woman handed over a "substantial" sum of money, thought to be up to £10,000, to a man in Dominic Street.

Newry and Armagh Ulster Unionist MLA Danny Kennedy condemned the incident and said new security measures must be implemented to protect key members of staff.

“This type of robbery is occurring with increasing regularity in Northern Ireland where the lives of families is being put at risk by criminal elements,” Mr Kennedy said.

“I condemn those who have put this family through a traumatic ordeal, particularly when a young child was involved. I would appeal for anyone who can assist the police with their investigation to contact them as soon as possible.”

Detectives have appealed for anyone with information to contact them on 028 9065 0222 or Crimsetoppers on 0800 555111.

(MB/SP)