A skip lorry was hijacked and set on fire and the driver threatened with a hammer in north Belfast yesterday afternoon (Friday).
The incident happened just after 2:30pm.
Detective Sergeant Rory McPhillips says the driver of the lorry returned to his cab, which was parked in Crimea Court, having made a purchase at a nearby shop.
“As the driver got back behind the wheel, a man jumped into the seat beside him, threatened him with a lump hammer and demanded that he drive off,” he said.
The culprit was wearing a red hoodie, a black monkey hat and a builder’s-style dust mask.
The driver was forced to drive from Crimea Street to Tudor Grove. There, he was directed to a parking area behind properties on the Crumlin Road where he was told to reverse the lorry. Police say the driver took the opportunity to jump out of the cab and ran from the scene.
As he did so, he saw another man coming towards him carrying a green petrol canister. The lorry was then set on fire and was completely destroyed.
“The driver of the lorry was not injured during the incident, but he was left shocked by his ordeal.
“I would appeal to anyone who was in the area between 2pm and 3pm and saw any suspicious activity, or either of the men reported as being involved in the incident, to contact police on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference 786 of 15/6/18,” says Detective Sergeant Rory McPhillips.
Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.