Posted online: Jun 7th, 2010

A terrified chip shop worker was taken to hospital after a day light robbery last week.
The Magherafelt woman needed treatment for shock after a masked man carried out the raid at Marvin’s chip shop on the Ballyronan Road at 10am last Sunday.
The woman, who is in her 40’s, was opening up at the premises when the thief struck and demanded money.
It is understood a significant four figure sum was taken during the raid.
Chip shop joint owner Tony Armstrong says the female worker has been left traumatised by the experience.
He said: “We sent her home after the incident but when CID came out to speak to her on Sunday the shock kicked in and she had to be taken to hospital. Normally we don’t keep money on the premises, this was a one off thing. This man either knew the money was there or he was very lucky.
He had no weapon but his face was covered. The whole thing was caught on CCTV and the police are examining that now. This has come as a complete shock to us.”
Mr Armstrong says the robbery is a blow to his business.
He said: “Friday and Saturday nights are busy nights for us and are very important in terms of the business. It’s a major loss to us. I had to come home on Sunday and try to scrape up the staff wages for the week. It’s something the business could have done without.”
A spokesman for the PSNI said they are investigating the incident.
A spokeswoman said: “Detectives in Magherafelt are appealing for information about a robbery at a fast food outlet. At about 10am on Sunday, May 30, a man went into the premises at Ballyronan Road and demanded money from a member of staff. He then went behind the counter and stole the cash.
The man did not appear to be armed, but was wearing a mask. He is described as being about 5ft 10inches tall and of a medium to heavy build. He was wearing a red checked shirt.
Police are keen to hear from residents of the Ballyronan Road, Killowen Drive, Piney Hill and Aughrim Road areas of Magherafelt who have information about the incident.”