Man in welding goggles used angle-grinder on petrol station fuel pump in “attempted theft”

One of the men wore welding goggles, while two more wore face masks during the overnight theft attempt, police say

Three men, including one in welding goggles, used an angle grinder on a petrol station fuel pump in what police have described as an “attempted theft” overnight.

The incident happened on the Forkhill Road in Cloghoe, at around 3.35am, police say.

The three men were seen leaving the petrol station forecourt in a white hatchback car with no registration plates, towards the A1 road.

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In a statement, a spokesperson for the PSNI said: “Police in Newry are appealing for information following an attempted theft in Cloghoge. It was reported at around 3.35am this morning, Thursday, 14th August, that three men had entered the forecourt of a petrol station on the Forkhill Road. They then proceeded to use an angle grinder on one of the fuel pumps, with some damage caused to this as a result.”

The police spokesperson described the three men: “One of the suspects, described as being in his 30s, was wearing welding goggles, black Adidas bottoms, and a black top.

“A second man was wearing shorts, a navy hoodie featuring white writing and a face mask. The third male, wearing jeans and a light jacket with a hood, was also wearing a face mask.”

The PSNI statement continued: “The men were seen leaving the forecourt in a white hatchback vehicle with no registration plates, headed in the direction of the A1.

“Enquiries are ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference 150 of 14/08/25. Alternatively, you can submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/. You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org/.”

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