Police probe hammer attack

The attack follows a similar incident at a service station in the town

Police are investigating an attempted armed robbery at an off-licence in County Down.

A man armed with a claw hammer went into the shop on Central Promenade in Newcastle, at about 2130 BST on Saturday.

He threatened staff with the weapon and tried to break into the cash till, but left empty-handed.

The incident comes a day after a shop assistant was hit on the head with a claw hammer in an attack in the town.

The 19-year-old woman was attacked at a service station on the Dundrum Road on Friday night.

The police say they are investigating both incidents separately, but are keeping an open mind.