Man to face Derry Magistrates’ Court over attempted armed robbery bids on shops in city on Saturday
This includes three counts of attempted robbery and three counts of possession of an offensive weapon with intent to commit an indictable offence.
He is expected to appear at Derry Magistrates’ Court tomorrow, Monday, April 20, for a first remand hearing.
As is normal procedure, all charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service.
The charges are in relation a number of incidents of attempted robbery in Derry on Saturday.
Police said earlier on Sunday that officers received reports between 3:10 pm and 3.40 pm on Saturday about attempted robberies at shops on Waterloo Street, William Street and Strand Road.
In each of these incidents, it was reported a male entered the premises and threatened staff members with what was described as a large knife.
In the incident on Waterloo Street he demanded cash, while at the premises on William Street he asked for cigarettes and produced the knife.
The suspect in each of these incidents left empty handed and is described as having worn an orange hooded top, with the hood up and pulled around his face and blue jeans.
He was also carrying a white cloth shopping bag.
Officers on patrol on Foyle Street yesterday afternoon subsequently arrested a 31-year-old man on suspicion of robbery with the assistance of members of the public.
Detective Sergeant Richard Donnell said: “These incidents were frightening for the staff. They were in their workplace, simply doing their job, and have been left shaken.
“Thankfully, no injuries were reported. I also want to thank the members of the public for their assistance yesterday afternoon.”