A 21-year-old man is due to appear in court on charges arising out of an attempted robbery at an off licence in north Belfast, in which a female staff member was put in a headlock and a man had part of his earlobe bitten off.
The incident occurred at around 7.40pm yesterday evening (Saturday) on the Antrim Road.
Detective Sergeant O’Flaherty said a man entered an off licence and grabbed a female staff member, putting her in a headlock and demanding cash before being tackled by two other male staff members.
During the ensuing altercation with the staff, the would-be robber bit off part of the earlobe of one of the male employees.
“The intruder was then restrained by a male customer until police arrived a few minutes later.
“This customer left the store a short time after police arrival and I am appealing for him to get in touch with us on 101, quoting reference 1327 30/03/19,” added the Detective Sergeant.
The man has been charged with grievous bodily harm with intent, possession of an offensive weapon, attempted robbery and criminal damage.
He is expected to appear at Belfast Magistrates Court in the morning.