Police in separate robbery appeals

Police in south Belfast are appealing for information following an armed robbery at a food store on the Ormeau Road on Tuesday.

Shortly after 3pm two males armed with a handgun and a knife entered the premises and forced staff and customers into a store area before stealing a sum of cash and a quantity of cigarettes.

The first man is described as being around 5’4 tall of thin build and was wearing a pink coloured woollen hat with black writing. The second man is believed to be in his early 20's, around 5’9 in height, of stocky build and was wearing a black woollen hat. Both thieves were wearing fluorescent tops and dust masks.

Meanwhile, police in Londonderry are appealing for information following an armed robbery at bookmaker’s premises on Spencer Road in the city.

At around 5.15pm two males entered the premises and produced a handgun. Two customers and a member of staff were then locked in a toilet area while a second member of staff was forced to hand over a sum of cash.

Both men are described as being around 5’7 tall and in their 20's. One had swarthy skin, black hair, dark eyebrows, had a front tooth missing and was wearing a light blue coloured hooded top, blue jeans and training shoes. The second also wore a hooded top, blue jeans and trainers.

Detectives investigating the robbery believe that both males had been in the premises at around 4.30pm and are appealing for anyone who was in the shop at that time to come forward.

Anyone with information on either incident is asked to contact police on 028 9065 0222 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

(MB)