Security staff threatened during ATM theft

Money was stolen from a security van in Aughnacloy, County Tyrone

Armed robbers wearing boiler suits and masks stole money from a security van in County Tyrone, police have said.

The group, armed with suspected firearms, threatened security staff who were at a cash machine at a filling station in Caledon Road, Aughnacloy, at 06:40 BST on Wednesday.

The men ordered staff into the cash machine bunker while they removed boxes of money from the van.

Police said the men made off in a dark-coloured Audi Q7 with a significant sum of money and no-one was injured.

Officers are also liaising with An Garda Síochána (Irish police) as part of their enquiries.

A police spokesperson said that "all information" about the incident was needed, and that it was a "shocking experience" for the staff involved.

Sinn Féin assembly member Colm Gildernew condemned the "disgraceful incident".

"Absolutely no worker should have to experience that type of violence and this will be very traumatic for them," he said.

He said Aughnacloy was a busy market town "where this type of activity would absolutely not be acceptable and and I'm sure people are deeply shocked that this has happened".

A spokesperson for Pivotal Sec Plus, whose van was robbed, said: "Our greatest concern is for our employees following this frightening experience, and we are working to support their well-being."

"We shall continue to assist the PSNI during the investigation," it added.