Van hijacked in south Belfast

Police in south Belfast have appealed for information following a hijacking incident earlier today.

At around 11am, a delivery man had stopped at traffic lights outside of the Gasworks on the Lower Ormeau Road, when a man jumped into the passengers seat of his vehicle.

The assailant punched the driver in the face and demanded that he drive the van behind the nearby fire station, into Charlotte Street.

The hijacker punched the driver in the face for a second time, then ordered him out of the vehicle, where he then made off with a substantial sum of money, along with the van which is described as a white coloured Citroen Boxer van, with the word 'Selecta' printed on the side, registration number HTO 2YKF.

It is understood that the attacker was armed, possibly with a knife.

The thief is described as being around 25-years-old, 5'10 in height and of slim build.

He was wearing a grey or navy coloured hooded jacket pulled up, and a baseball cap.

Meanwhile, police are investigating an attempted hijacking in north Belfast yesterday evening.

At around 8pm, the male driver of a black Saab, had stopped at the traffic lights between the junction of the Westlink and York Street, when he was approached by two males.

One of the men got into the passengers seat of the vehicle, while the other threatened the driver with a beer bottle.

A struggle ensued and the assailants escaped empty handed.

The male who got into the car is described as being around 5'11 in height, with short dark hair, had distinctive eyebrows, which met in the middle, and was wearing a red t- shirt.

The second man was described as being around 22-years-old, 5'8 in height, with short cropped fair hair.

He was wearing a light blue coloured t-shirt, jeans and trainers.

Police have warned drivers to always make sure that their vehicle is secured at all times, to keep valuables out of view, and if approached by any suspicious persons to raise the alarm by sounding the horn.

Anyone who may have witnessed either incident, should contact detectives on 0845 600 8000, or anonymously on the Crimestoppers number on 0800 555 111.

(EF)