DETECTIVES are investigating after men armed with a hammer and screwdriver tied up two shop workers in an early morning robbery in North Belfast.

The incident happened at 6.20 am at a shop in Whitewell Road this morning, Wednesday, April 8.

Police say the two men, one carrying a hammer and one carrying a screwdriver, entered the shop and threatened staff.

The suspects tied up both shop workers before making off with a quantity of cigarettes.

They made off in a silver coloured Volkswagen Polo car belonging to one of the members of staff.

The members of staff were not injured but were left shaken by their ordeal.

Detective Constable Siobhan McIlhone is appealing for anyone who witnessed the robbery or anyone who may have seen a silver Volkswagen Polo after the time of the robbery to contact CID in Musgrave Police Station on the non-emergency number 101.

Information can also be passed anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.