Cops hunt gun gang
By Alan Healy
Deputy Editor
The PSNI are hunting an armed gang who held up a Chinese takeaway in the early hours of Saturday morning.
The robbery happened shortly before 2am, when two males – one armed with a suspected firearm – entered the Peking Gardens Chinese takeaway.
One of the men threatened two members of staff in the premises at the time, demanding money.
His accomplice then jumped over the counter and grabbed a sum of cash from the till.
The PSNI have confirmed that during the robbery, a member of the public entered the premises and a struggle ensued.
The robbers then fled on foot in the direction of Spencer Road with an amount of cash.
Both robbers are described as being around 5′9 – 5′10″ tall.
One was wearing a yellow and black hooded top, tracksuit bottoms and had a scarf covering his face.
His accomplice was wearing a grey coloured hooded top and tracksuit bottoms.
Condemning the attack, SDLP Foyle MLA Pat Ramsey said: “Those who carried out this robbery are obviously dangerous if they feel a gun is needed to intimidate people out of hard-earned money.
The member of the public who struggled with the robbers had very good intentions and showed admirable bravery but I would ask anybody in a similar situation not to attempt to apprehend armed robbers in this manner. Money can always be replaced.
“I would implore anybody with information regarding this incident to pass it on to the police.”
There were no reports of anyone injured, however the member of the public who entered the premises during the robbery left before police arrival.
Detectives are keen that he come forward as soon as possible as he may be able to assist with enquiries.
Anyone who was in the Strabane Old Road or Spencer Road areas at around 2am and noticed any unusual activity, is asked to contact detectives at Strand Road on 0845 600 8000. Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously to the Crimestoppers Charity on 0800 555 111.