Men armed with batons rob Fahan petrol station

Just before 9pm, a grey/silver Nissan car entered the forecourt of Bradley’s Filling Station in Fahan and the three men, wearing hoodies, scarves over their faces and blue disposable gloves, jumped out.

Inishowen Garda Inspector David Murphy said the men were carrying what were described as “retractable batons.”

Insp. Murphy said the owner of the shop challenged the men and was assaulted. A window smashed as the men tried to enter the premises. The owner’s wife was in the shop and was also injured. The men went around the counter and Gardai say that at this point in time, it is understood a “small amount” of property was stolen.

Insp Murphy said, as the men were leaving the premises, the owner was again assaulted. Both the owner and his wife were taken to hospital with non-serious injuries. Their daughter, who was also on the premises, raised the alarm. The men fled in the direction of Burnfoot.

The shop, located on the main Derry to Buncrana road, was closed on Monday morning for examination and Gardai are appealing for witnesses. They have urged anyone who may have been on the road between Fahan and Bridgend between 8.30pm and 9.15pm and who may have seen anything suspicious to contact Buncrana Garda Station on (00353) 74 93 20540.

Inspector Murphy said that while the description of the men is quite limited due to the garments they were wearing, but they are described as being white males in their late teens to early twenties.