Alliance MP Mrs Long was speaking after a 57-year-old man was attacked while walking alongside the Connswater River, close to the Holywood Arches on Monday night (3 February).
He was approached by three men, one carrying a suspected firearm, who threatened and assaulted him before taking a sum of cash from the victim. He was left shaken but uninjured by the episode.
Mrs Long condemned the incident and urged anyone with information to go to the police.
“This is a most disturbing robbery, lent a further sinister edge by the brandishing of a suspected firearm. It is disgraceful that anyone should be subjected to such treatment and my thoughts are with the gentleman who was robbed at this time.
“Such an experience is very traumatic and I hope that he recovers speedily from the upset and shock. I would urge anyone with information regarding this attack to contact police immediately.”
ENDS