Police investigate city centre robberies

Police have appealed for information following a robbery in south Belfast, in which a woman was assaulted.

The incident happened at around 7.20pm yesterday evening, when a robber entered a business premises on Arthur Street in the city centre.

The man then punched a female member of staff in the face, before demanding that she hand over a sum of money. The robber then made off with the contents of a safe.

He is described as having bright blue eyes, with badly pock-marked skin and is thought to have been wearing a red hooded top, blue jeans and driving gloves.

Meanwhile, at around 7pm, a 12-year-old boy was robbed at knife-point in the nearby Fountain Street area. The boy, who was with two friends of the same age, was approached by three men, one of whom was carrying a knife. The men threatened the boy and then made off with his mobile phone. The boy was uninjured, however was left badly shaken by the ordeal.

One of the robbers is said to be wearing a white coloured baseball cap and a white jacket.

The other was wearing a black jacket and had a broken nose.

Anyone who may have witnessed either attack, or who may have any information relating to them, are asked to contact police on 0845 600 8000, or anonymously on the Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

(EF/SP)