One person injured in east Belfast armed robbery

A 34-year-old man has been injured during an armed robbery in his east Belfast home yesterday evening.

A gang of three men entered the house in the Motelands area, off the Old Holywood Road, shortly before 8.30pm.

One of the robbers, who was armed with a handgun, demanded a sum of cash, before striking the victim several times on the head and ransacking his house.

He was later treated in hospital, however his injuries are not thought to be life threatening.

It is understood that the attackers made off at high speed in a car in the direction of the Old Holywood Road.

Meanwhile in north Belfast, staff have been left shaken, following a robbery in a shop in Lanark Way.

Just before 8.30pm, a man armed with a knife entered the premises and ordered staff to hand over the contents of a till.

The assailant then made off with an undisclosed sum of cash and a quantity of cigarettes.

The robber is described as being around 6 feet tall and was wearing a grey hooded top, a black scarf and blue jeans.

It is thought that he made off on a red, white and blue coloured motorbike, similar to the NSR 125 cc model.

No one was injured during the incident, but staff were left badly shaken by the ordeal.

Police have appealed for anyone who may have witnessed either incident, or who may have information, which may be of use to their investigations, to contact them on 0845 600 8000, or on the Crimestoppers number on 0800 555 111.

Police do not believe the two incidents to be linked.

(EF/SP)