19/05/2023

Three Men Arrested In Connection With Armed Hijacking

Three men have been arrested in connection with an armed hijacking and subsequent collision in the Newtownards area on Thursday, 18 May.

At around 8.30pm last night, police received a report that a vehicle had been hijacked in the East Street area of Newtownards.

A woman had been parked in the area when two men, at least one of them was armed with a knife, demanded the driver get out of the vehicle.

They drove off from the area and around ten minutes later police received a report of a single vehicle collision in the Crawfordsburn Road area and the occupants of the vehicle had fled the scene.

Detective Sergeant Bell said: "Follow up enquiries led police to a property in the Greengraves area, where three men were arrested.

"Two men, aged 22 and 20, were arrested on suspicion of a number of offences including hijacking, robbery and possession of an offensive weapon. A third male in his 50s was arrested on suspicion of assisting offenders. They all remain in custody at this stage.

"Our enquiries are ongoing and we would appeal to anyone with any information in relation to the incidents, or who may have CCTV or Dashcam footage to contact detectives on 101 quoting reference number 2080 of 18/05/23.

A report can be made using the online reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport. Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.


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