DETECTIVES in Newry are investigating a ram raid at shop premises on the Forkhill Road in the early hours of this morning.

Detective Sergeant Bardon said: “At around 2.30 am, a Manitou tele handler, which was accompanied by a light coloured/silver jeep with a trailer attached, was driven into the forecourt of the premises.

“The tele handler was then crashed into the wall of the premises in an attempt to gain access.

“This attempt failed and a number of masked men made off from the scene in the jeep empty handed, leaving the tele handler at the scene.

“The trailer was then abandoned under a bridge on the Low Road, a short distance away, and it is believed that the jeep may have then travelled in the direction of Jonesborough.

“It is also believed at this time that the tele handler may have been stolen from a building site at Drumintee Road in Meigh a short time before the ram raid.”

Detective Sergeant Bardon has appealed for anyone with any information to contact detectives in Newry on 101.

He particularly would like to hear from the driver of a silver/blue coloured Peugeot hatchback which had been travelling past the shop premises when the jeep made off, pulling out in front of the Peugeot, causing the driver to sound their horn.

Information can also be given anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”