Northern Ireland

Woman working in Abbeycentre jewellers attacked during robbery

A woman working in a Newtownabbey jewellers has been taken to hospital after a man attacked her while stealing a ring.

Police are appealing for information following the robbery in the Abbeycentre shopping centre on the Longwood Road area of Newtownabbey this morning.

Detective Inspector Lenaghan said: “At approximately 9.15am we received a report that a man had entered the premises and asked to see a ring.

“The man then snatched the ring before attacking a female member of staff, causing substantial injuries to her face. She has been taken to hospital for treatment for her injuries.

“The suspect is described as wearing grey jogging bottoms, grey sweat top, dark baseball cap and was carrying a dark coat.

“He was wearing a mask and gloves at the time of the robbery and made off in the direction of Longlands Road.

“I am appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the incident, have mobile phone footage or any information that could assist with our enquiries, to contact detectives on 101 quoting reference 386 of 10/01/23."