Three masked men armed with a hatchet and bolt cutter escaped with a sum of cash in a robbery at a shop in Duncrue Street in north Belfast yesterday evening.
A female member of staff was grabbed by the throat and ordered to open the till.
Detectives are appealing for information following the report of the robbery which happened around 6:30pm on Friday (August 9).
Detective Sergeant O’Flaherty said police received a report just after 6.30pm that three men had entered the premises, while a fourth remained in a car outside.
“The men subsequently made off in the car, with a sum of money. The car was later found on fire a short distance away.
“While the member of staff was physically uninjured, this was, without doubt, a terrifying ordeal and we’re appealing to anyone with information to get in touch.
“One report describes four males running in the direction of Ayr Street,” said the Detective Sergeant.
If you were in the area and witnessed any suspicious activity, contact police on 101, quoting reference number 1894 of 09/08/19.
Alternatively, information can 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.