Cigarettes have been stolen from a shop in east Belfast by a masked man wielding a hatchet at a female member of staff.
Detectives are investigating the armed robbery which happened at a shop on the Woodstock Road yesterday (Sunday 13 December) just before 5pm.
Police say the masked man came into the shop, jumped over the counter and produced a hatchet, waving it at a female staff member.
The suspect, wearing a navy tracksuit, is reported to have snatched a quantity of cigarettes and then fled on foot in the direction of Beersbridge Road.
Detective Sergeant Faulkner said thankfully, no one was injured during what must have been a frightening ordeal for the staff member.
“I am appealing to anyone who was in the area around this time yesterday and saw what happened, or has information which could help our investigation, to call us on 101 and quote reference number 1271 of 13/12/20.
“You can also submit a report online using our non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/