A shop worker was left shaken after being grabbed in a headlock during an early-morning incident in Markethill.
The assault occurred shortly before 8.50am on Tuesday, January 6, when a man allegedly smashed the front window of a shop on Main Street before attacking a member of staff inside the premises.
Sergeant Bigger said police received the report just hours after an earlier incident of criminal damage in the town.
“Around 1.25am, police received a report of windows being broken at a property in the Newry Street area,” he said.
“Then, shortly before 8.50am, we received a further report that a man had broken the front window of a shop in the Main Street area. He was also reported to have assaulted a staff member, putting him in a headlock.”
When officers arrived at the scene, the suspect was already being restrained by members of the public and was subsequently taken into police custody.
A man, aged in his thirties, was arrested on suspicion of a number of offences, including common assault, criminal damage and disorderly behaviour. He remains in custody at this time, assisting police with enquiries.
Sergeant Bigger said officers have already carried out a number of investigative steps but are continuing to appeal for information.
“We are keen to speak to anyone who may have information which could assist with our investigation,” he added. “Were you in the area at the time and saw anything? Do you have dashcam, CCTV or other video footage?”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference 242 of 6/1/26.
Reports can also be made online at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport
, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
