POLICE are appealing for witnesses following the report of a robbery at a newsagents close to the upper end of the Cavehill Road in north Belfast last night, Friday, May 11. 

Sergeant Alexander said: “Two males entered the shop, which is close to the junction with North Circular Road, just before 7pm and demanded money from staff members.

“Both males had their faces covered and one was armed with a hammer.

“One male was wearing all dark clothing with his hood up and the other was wearing navy bottoms and a white hooded top.

“When staff and customers intervened, the pair were forced to leave empty-handed.

“They left the scene in a silver Ford Fiesta car which had been stolen the previous night (Thursday 10 May), in the east Belfast area.

“No-one was hurt in the incident although the shop owner and customers were left shocked.

“Just after 7pm last night, officers observed the car being driven in the west Belfast area.

“The occupants then abandoned the vehicle and made off on foot.

“A 20 year old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted robbery a short time later.

“He remains in police custody at this time.

“I would appeal to anyone who was in the area of the Cavehill shops yesterday evening and witnessed this robbery taking place to contact police on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference number 1142 of 11/5/18.

“Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.”