03/04/2009

Taser Deployed As Robbery Suspects Held

A Taser has been fired as a specialist firearms officer took part in the arrest of three men in west Belfast.

It happened during a police operation at the Twin Spires on the Falls Road, around 11.15am on Thursday.

The PSNI said that the men were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to rob and possession of a firearm.

Police also said a suspected firearm had been found at the scene.

The police operation happened just days after a cash-in-transit crew was attacked, tied up and robbed of a very substantial sum of cash while replenishing an ATM cash machine in Arboe, in rural Co Londonderry.

Late last year, police made several arrests which foiled similar attempted robberies in the great Belfast area, and it is know that a special PSNI continues to target such criminals.

Yesterday, as is routine when any form of firearm is used, the NI Police Ombudsman's office has begun an investigation into the west Belfast incident.

They have appealed for witnesses to contact them.

In a statement, it said investigators have had the scene forensically examined.

The Police Ombudsman investigators have also recovered CCTV footage and items relating to the firing of the weapon.

Speaking to the BBC, local SDLP Councillor Tim Attwood said the rapid response of police prevented an armed robbery taking place.

See: CIT Robbers Target Staff

See: Police 'Sting' Foils Career Bank Robbers

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