A series of hijacking incidents and assaults across greater Belfast and Newcastle are linked, say police.
Detectives are appealing for witnesses following the incidents in the Newcastle, Lisburn, Carryduff and west Belfast areas earlier today (Saturday 1 June).
At around 11am police received a report that three women had been assaulted by two men who were travelling in a Volkswagen Golf on the Newcastle Road in Dundrum close to the 12 Arches.
In the second incident at around 11.40am it was reported that a grey Volkswagen Golf had been involved in a crash on the Old Ballynahinch Road in Lisburn.
Police say two men in the Volkswagen hijacked a Peugeot 208 car at the scene before making off. A short time later police received reports of an attempted hijacking and a hijacking in the Saintfield Road area of Belfast close to Ivanhoe Hotel, following reports of a crash.
Police then received reports that a Renault Clio car had been stolen from its owner in the vicinity of Purdysburn Road a short time later. The Renault Clio was reported to have been driven recklessly in the Boucher Road and Beechmount areas of Belfast before being abandoned and set on fire in Beechmount Avenue shortly before 12.25pm.
Detectives believe the same people were involved in all the incidents and are appealing for anyone who witnessed any of the incidents to contact detectives in Lisburn on 101 quoting reference 808 01/06/19.
Detectives are particularly keen to speak with anyone who was travelling on any of these roads and who has dashcam footage of the incidents to get in touch. Alternatively, information can also 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.