by Q Radio News
Police cordoned off the Applegreen service station outside ballymena for a time today following an armed robbery.
Four men, one of whom was armed with a handgun, entered the premises just after 2am.
Police say the gunman hid behind the till and instructed a member of staff to serve a female customer.
He then produced clear plastic bin bags and instructed the employee to fill them with cigarettes.
Cash and the contents of a charity box was also taken.
The employee was then tied to a drinks machine with his own belt and a piece of wire.
He managed to free himself after a period of time and raise the alarm.
Police say the suspects were dressed in black coats, dark-coloured bottoms and wearing white ski masks and gloves.
Detectives are keen to speak to the female customer, unwittingly entered the premises during the incident.
Officer to be prosecuted for offence linked to Troubles memorial during pandemic
Pair appear before court charged with nurse’s murder
Woman dies in West Belfast house fire
Eleanor Donaldson’s bid to have two charges withdrawn ‘should not delay trial’
Police surveillance operation to unmask journalistic source ruled unlawful