GAA official beaten and robbed

A GAA official was assaulted and robbed of match takings near Dungannon, Co Tyrone yesterday.

A GAA official was assaulted and robbed of match takings near Dungannon, Co Tyrone yesterday.

The Ulster Council member was transporting money from the Derry versus Monaghan game at Casement Park in west Belfast when the incident happened at the English roundabout yesterday afternoon.

Police said it appeared the two hijackers used traffic cones to slow the black Laguna vehicle, flung open the driver's door and beat the occupant around the legs with hammers to force him from the vehicle.

One hijacker got behind the wheel of the Laguna and made off back down the motorway on the Belfast bound carriageway followed by his accomplice in a red Peugeot 207.

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The victim was treated at the scene by a police doctor. A police spokeswoman said the hijackers got away with a substantial amount of money.

One of the attackers was described as being in his mid 30s and wearing a grey anorak and black woolly hat. Northern Ireland Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness has condemned the hijacking and robbery and called on anyone with information about it to contact the police.

The Sinn Fein MP said: "This was a disgraceful and senseless attack and I wish to send my best wishes to the GAA official and would ask anyone with information to contact the PSNI."

PA