A 32-year-old man arrested by detectives investigating an armed robbery of a cash in transit vehicle in Belfast City Centre on Tuesday morning (10 March) has been released on bail, pending further enquiries.
The incident happened at Academy Street during rush hour at 8am.
The man was arrested following searches of three properties in the Divis area of West Belfast last night.
Detective Sergeant O’Flaherty said just before 8am on Tuesday morning, a man armed with a black handgun, threatened a cash in transit employee to hand over a cash box.
“The man then made off with the cash box which contained a sum of cash in a grey/silver coloured, older Renault Megan Scenic car that was driven by an accomplice. The man was wearing a dark coloured balaclava, a high visibility vest over a black top, a pair of red gloves, grey bottoms and is described as being approximately 5ft 7″ tall.
“A short time later, the Renault Megan Scenic was discovered on fire in Roumania Rise. Police also recovered a damaged, empty cash in transit box a short distance away.”
And he said he wanted to thank the public who came forward with information.
“I am appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident or who saw anything suspicious in the area of Academy Street, Exchange Street, or the car being abandoned and set alight on Roumania Rise on Tuesday morning to call detectives on 101 quoting reference number 185 of 10 March 2020.
“I would also be keen for drivers with dashcams who were in the area on Tuesday morning to check their footage and to get in contact if they have recorded any footage which might help,” he added.
According to the PSNI, a green dye pack fitted as part of the security measures in the cash box exploded, and retailers are being asked to contact police if they encounter anyone attempting to use banknotes covered in dye.
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.