A woman shot in the stomach during the robbery of a gaming arcade in Newry is “lucky to be alive” as she was treated in hospital today.

The woman suffered serious injuries after a man armed with a handgun walked into the premises on the Upper Water Street area of the city at 11.35pm yesterday.

It’s understood the gunman demanded cash from the arcade safe. The member of staff, who is in her 40s, was then shot by the man.

It is understood she may have tried to hit the panic button before she was shot.

The gunman escaped empty-handed on foot towards the North Street or High Street area of the city.

His victim was rushed to Daisy Hill Hospital in the city with “serious but not life-threatening” injuries. A spokeswoman for the Southern Health and Social Care Trust today said: “She remains in a stable condition.”

Police today said the circumstances of the incident are “still being established”.

One man has been arrested and is assisting the PSNI with inquiries.

Sinn Fein councillor and deputy mayor of Newry Charlie Casey condemned the incident.

“The shooting has left people shocked,” he said.

“For someone to be trying to work and then shot just for financial gain is terrible. It has to be condemned.

“It must have been a very frightening experience.

“I hope whoever is responsi

ble is caught as soon as possible.”

SDLP councillor for the area Gary Stokes said the shooting was a “worrying development” for the city.

“My understanding is she is lucky to be alive. It is very alarming,” he said.

“It must have been a terrible experience for all members of staff who were there at the time,” he said.

“To have a firearm waved about— especially after what happened in England last week—is a very worrying development.”

Mr Stokes added: “I understand the woman is in a stable condition and I hope she makes a full recovery.”

Police are appealing for witnessess to call detectives on 0845 600 8000 or information can be passed anonymously to the Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.