Man stabbed with screwdriver in off-licence robbery in Carrickfergus

A man was stabbed with a screwdriver in an armed robbery at an off-licence in County Antrim on Friday.

Police received a report at 20:10 BST that a man entered a store in Carrickfergus, grabbed a woman who worked there from behind and held a pointed item to her throat while demanding cash.

Det Insp Gallagher, of the PSNI's Criminal Investigations Department, said she was "forced into the back of the store" where her colleague was working and they were made to obtain cash for the man.

He began "punching and kicking" the male member of staff, who was also stabbed in the side with the pointed item.

The police said the two were able to escape while the man was distracted.

"This was a terrifying ordeal for the off-licence staff, who showed great presence of mind in being able to escape from the store," Gallagher said.

"We're relieved that, although shaken, by their experience, neither sustained serious injury," Gallagher added.

A man was then "spotted" nearby by local police officers who had "flooded" the area and chased him.

An officer was punched, before the man was detained.

A 34-year-old was arrested on suspicion of offences including robbery, two counts of assault on police, aggravated burglary, two counts of common assault and false imprisonment and remains in custody.