Police appeal after two armed robberies in Co Antrim

Police are appealing for information following two robberies in the Newtownabbey area within 24 hours.

At around 11.30am this morning, three masked men entered a post office in Doagh, outside Newtownabbey. One man was armed with a handgun and another with a hatchet. The third man threw a concrete block through the counter screen and demanded cash from staff.

The robbers assaulted an elderly customer before making off with a large sum of cash.

The culprits escaped in a green Mazda, registration NIW 4655, that was later found abandoned in Anderson Park, Doagh. They then transferred to a white Cavalier.

Less than 24 hours beforehand, two men armed with a knife and a handgun robbed a shop on the Doagh Road.

The men entered the shop on the Doagh Road at around 6.30pm yesterday evening and threatened staff. They made off towards the Rathcoole estate with a sum of cash

The first robber is described as 5ft 8" tall, of medium build and was thought to be in his late teens. He was wearing a pale coloured quilted type jacket and pale coloured track bottoms.

The second man, who was also in his late teens, 5ft 7" tall and of medium build, was wearing a navy coat and dark coloured trousers.

Police are appealing for witnesses to contact them on 028 9065 0222 or on Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111

(GMcG)