The attempted robbery of a chemist shop during which a masked man used pepper spray on a pharmacist has been condemned as an attack on the community.
The incident occurred at a chemist shop on Beechmount Avenue in Strabane on Saturday night and resulted in the pharmacist being hospitalised after being sprayed in the face and neck.
Minutes earlier, the robber entered an adjacent shop and made off with a sum of cash after threatening a female staff member.
Both incidents have been condemned by Patrick Leonard, SDLP candidate in the upcoming local government election, who urged anyone with information to pass it on to police.
Mr Leonard said: “My thoughts go to the owners and staff of these two local businesses were the victims of violent robberies.
“We have seen many local businesses struggle to survive and face closure, and sadly we are faced with the news of yet another attack on our local community.
“The person responsible for committing these attacks has no respect for the local community we live in or local businesses who provide such vital services.”
Mr Leonard concluded: “This behaviour in not acceptable as with each attack there is knock on consequences. I condemn this attack and would urge anyone with information on these robberies to contact the police.
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