Two men armed with handguns attempted to rob the Nerve Centre on Hallowe'en night just hours after a youth disco
Before the men made off empty handed they fired a shot into the ceiling of the building.
Despite a heavy police presence in the area two men, dressed in monkey masks entered the premises at 1.30am. They confronted staff and demanded money and als
o fired a bullet into the ceiling. A youth disco had just concluded on the premises.
Condemning the robbery, SDLP Foyle MLA Pat Ramsey said: "Guns have no place in our society, it's as simple as that. These people need to understand the seriousness of their actions. This is not only an attempted robbery but also something that has the potential to kill and seriously injure.
"I condemn this incident and hope that the perpetrators are caught so that the guns and the people who seek to use them are taken off the streets of Derry and the North. I urge anyone with information on these dangerous individuals to pass it to the police without delay."
Chair of the Derry District Police Partnership, Elisha McLaughlin described the robbery as 'an act of madness.'
"This can only be described as an act of madness. Whilst thousands were out enjoying the Hallowe'en carnival and attending entertainment venues in the city centre it is sad to think others were out there with criminal intent on their minds
"It is only a matter of time before someone is killed or seriously injured in one of these robberies
"I offer my full support to the staff there for what must have been a very traumatic experience."
The PSNI appealed for witnesses to contact officers at Strand Road or confidentially 0845 600 8000.
