DETECTIVES from PSNI’s Criminal Investigation Department have arrested a 36 year old man in the Shore Road area earlier today, Tuesday, October 15.

He was detained on suspicion of robbery, aggravated burglary and possession of an offensive weapon with intent to commit an indictable offence.

A number of searches are also ongoing in the North Belfast area.

The suspect has been taken to Musgrave Police Station and is assisting officers with their enquiries.

Detective Inspector Kerry Brennan said: “This arrest is in relation to two ongoing investigations into a robbery and an aggravated burglary which took place in recent months in the North Belfast area.

“Both of these events were traumatic for the victims and I would like to reiterate my appeal for information from the public.

“During the aggravated burglary at a house in the Downview Gardens area of north Belfast on Friday 20 September, three masked men forced their way into the property.

“A woman, who was at home with her two young children at the time, was pushed to the floor.

“The victim was then threatened with violence and a kettle was boiled with threats made to pour this over her.

“In response to demands, the victim subsequently handed over a sum of money.

“This extremely frightening incident took place in front of the woman’s two young children and left her afraid for both her own life and the safety of her children.

“I have no doubt that her two little ones will now be having nightmares about these dangerous masked men.

“During the robbery of a Chinese wholesale supermarket in the Duncrue Street area of North Belfast on Friday 9 August, three men entered armed with a hatchet and bolt cutter whilst another man waited outside.

“A female member of staff was grabbed by the throat and ordered to open the safe and till.

“The men then made off with a substantial sum of money.

“Both of these incidents were deeply distressing to the two women involved.

“Both of our investigations remain ongoing and I continue to appeal to anyone with information, or who may have noticed any suspicious activity in either of the areas, to get in touch.

“Contact us on 101 or alternatively, information can 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.”