North Side shop robbed, chopper secures arrest

(CNS) Updated with image: Four men are in custody this evening following their arrest a short time ago in connection with a robbery at Chisholm’s Supermarket in North Side at around 4:25pm today, Monday 23 September. The suspects were arrested relatively quickly as a result of direct support from the RCIPS helicopter, which tracked the getaway car. Police said they received a report that two men, both in possession of what appeared to be handguns, entered the supermarket, where they threatened a female member of staff before making off with a quantity of cash and cigarettes. A grey hatchback car was seen to leave the premises travelling at speed following the hold-up at the district’s main grocery store.

No one was injured and no shots were fired during the incident, the RCIPS stated, but other sources said a woman had fainted at the scene.

Following the robbers' departure from the crime scene in the grey car, uniform staff, armed officers and the police helicopter were immediately dispatched. The crew on board the chopper quickly spotted the grey hatchback driving on Frank Sound Road and then left towards East End.

The crew maintained observations while continually updating mobile units. The car stopped for a very short time and some property was thrown into the bush before it continued at speed towards East End. On the arrival of the mobile units, the suspect vehicle stopped in Sea View Road near the junction of High Rock Road. All four male occupants were arrested on suspicion of robbery at around 4:45pm.

Anyone who was in the area and has any information regarding the robbery should contact Bodden Town police station on 947-2220, the RCIPS tip-line 949-7777 or Crime Stoppers 800-8477 (TIPS).