Man Arrested Following ‘Terrifying’ Armed Robbery at Carrickfergus Off-Licence

A 34-year-old man has been arrested after two members of staff were allegedly threatened and assaulted during an armed robbery at a Carrickfergus off-licence. Police detained the suspect following a foot chase and are appealing for information.

Police have made an arrest following a reported armed robbery at a Carrickfergus off-licence on Friday evening, 31 July 2026.

The incident reportedly involved two members of staff being threatened and assaulted before they managed to escape from the premises.

Staff Threatened During Carrickfergus Off-Licence Robbery

The Police Service of Northern Ireland received a report about the incident at approximately 8.10pm.

According to police, a man had entered the off-licence a short time earlier.

He allegedly grabbed a female employee from behind and held a pointed object to her throat while demanding money.

The woman was then reportedly forced into the rear of the shop, where her male colleague was working.

Police said both employees were made to obtain cash. During the incident, the male staff member was allegedly punched and kicked.

He was also reportedly stabbed in the side with the pointed object, which police later identified as a screwdriver.

Both members of staff managed to escape while the man was distracted.

Police Foot Chase Leads to Arrest

Local police officers were deployed across the surrounding area following the report.

Officers then spotted a man nearby who matched the description provided by the employees.

A foot chase followed before officers caught up with the suspect.

Police said a struggle took place during the arrest and an officer was punched before the man was detained.

A 34-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of several offences, including:

• Robbery
• Aggravated burglary
• False imprisonment
• Two counts of common assault
• Two counts of assault on police

The PSNI said on Saturday, 1 August, that the man remained in custody at that time.

An arrest does not imply guilt. Any alleged offences must be considered through the appropriate legal process.

Staff Praised After ‘Terrifying’ Ordeal

Detective Inspector Gallagher described the incident as a terrifying experience for the two employees.

Police praised the staff for showing presence of mind and escaping from the store while the alleged offender was distracted.

Neither employee was believed to have suffered serious injuries, although both were reportedly shaken by what happened.

Detective Inspector Gallagher also praised the response officers who located and detained the suspect shortly after the report.

The detective said:

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

Carrickfergus Armed Robbery Investigation Continues

Detectives are continuing to investigate the reported Carrickfergus off-licence armed robbery.

Anyone who witnessed suspicious activity or has relevant CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage is asked to contact police.

Information can be provided by:

• Calling the PSNI on 101
• Quoting reference 1566 of 31/07/26
• Using the PSNI online incident reporting service
• Contacting Crimestoppers Northern Ireland anonymously on 0800 555 111

The original statement can be read on the PSNI website.

Call 999 when a crime is happening or someone is in immediate danger.

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Anyone with information that could help the investigation should call 101 and quote reference 1566 of 31/07/26.