A car found burnt out next to a community centre in Portadown was used in three armed robberies on Thursday morning.
Detectives are investigating incidents at shops in Ballyronan, Coagh and Clonoe.
The first robbery at a filling station on the Ballinderry Bridge Road in Coagh took place at around 6.50am.
Two masked men armed with a handgun entered the store and threatened staff, placing a weapon to the head of one man forcing him to open the till. The robbers made off with a sum of cash, travelling in a vehicle driven by a third man.
The second robbery happened at a supermarket on Shore Road in Ballyronan and was reported just before 7am this morning.
Again, two men armed with a handgun, threatened staff, placing the gun to the head of one staff member, before making off with cash and a quantity of cigarettes.
A short time later the third armed robbery was reported. This time a shop on Moor Road in Clonoe was robbed at gunpoint, with the suspects again making off with cash.
Detective Inspector Handley said: “We believe the vehicle used by the robbers, a blue Audi A6, was stolen early this morning from outside an address in Portadown whilst the vehicle had been left running to warm up. It was subsequently found on fire at Drumcree Community Centre at around 8.40am.
“Thankfully no one was injured during any of these robberies however staff have been left understandably shocked by the ordeal they experienced.”
Anyone with any information or who may have captured CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage that could assist investigators, is asked to contact police by calling 101, quoting reference 201 30/01/25. Information can also be submitted online via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/
You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org .
Sinn Féin councillor for Portadown, Paul Duffy, commented: “Scumbags stole a car earlier this morning from the local area whilst it was on to defrost the windows.
“A male was seen setting it on fire then running of towards Churchill Park. These scumbags show no regard for the young and old who use the centre on a daily basis or the person trying to get to their work. I would ask anyone with information to contact the PSNI.”
Join the Armagh I Breaking News WhatsApp community here.
Alliance MLA Eóin Tennyson added: “It is absolutely disgraceful that a car was stolen and set on fire at the Drumcree Centre this morning.
“The thugs responsible have shown a blatant disregard for the local community who use and rely on the centre, which thankfully remains open.
“I’d encourage anyone who may have information that may help police in their investigations to get in touch with them, or report it anonymously via Crimestoppers.”
