RESIDENTS of Crumlin have been told to be on the alert after a knifepoint robbery at a local beauty spot. The incident occurred last Wednesday morning in the popular Crumlin Glen nature reserve as a 27-year-old male, who was walking his dog, was held at knifepoint and robbed of his phone and wallet by two men after one of the attackers asked for a light for his cigarette.

Local Sinn Féin Councillor Anne Marie Logue said the robbery was “very disturbing.” “I am quite sure the victim has been left badly shaken by this experience,” she said. “The Glen is a popular place for families, anglers, dog walkers and runners, to name a few. For someone to commit an aggravated robbery in broad daylight is quite worrying and is an attack on this community’s sense of safety. Unfortunately, until this is resolved people should be vigilant using this facility.

” A spokesperson for the PSNI said: “One male asked for a light and then produced a knife, threatening the victim and taking his mobile phone and wallet. The victim was also punched in the face by this male before the pair made off. The male with the knife is described as in his mid-20s, 5' 10" tall with ginger hair and was wearing a blue hoodie with white writing on the front. The other was around mid-20s, 5' 6" in height with fair hair wearing a white heavy jumper.” Anyone who witnessed the attack is asked to contact police at Antrim on 0845 600 8000.