Detectives appeal for information after a shop is robbed in east Belfast

POLICE are on the trail of a man who threatened a young shop assistant as she closed up a newsagent’s shop for the evening.

The robbery happened at Braeside Grove, in the Castlereagh area of Belfast, on Friday at around 7.30pm.

The thief shoved the woman into a back office, forcing her to open the safe before making off with the cash and cigarettes.

A police spokesperson said: “The young woman was unhurt but badly shaken by her ordeal.”

The robber is described as in his late 20s, around 6ft in height and of thin build.

He had his face covered with a dark coloured scarf, was wearing a hoody, gloves and carried a black rucksack.

The PSNI are appealing for anyone who witnessed the robbery or who noticed any unusual activity in the area is asked to contact detectives on 0845 600 8000.