Man charged to court in connection with armed robberies in east Belfast
PSNI detectives investigating four robberies at commercial premises on the Newtownards Road and Templemore Avenue areas of east Belfast on Thursday 14th and Friday 15th November, have arrested a man on suspicion of a number of offences.
The 36-year-old man has been charged with four counts of robbery/attempted robbery and possession of an offensive weapon with intent to commit an indictable offence.
He has also been charged with criminal damage and possession of a class C controlled substance.
Detectives are appealing for information following a report of an armed robbery at commercial premises on the Newtownards Road area of east Belfast on Thursday 14th November.
Shortly before 6.45am police received a report that a male entered a shop in the area armed with a knife, he demanded money from a male member of staff inside the premises before making off on foot. The member of staff was not injured during the incident.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting reference number 196 14/11/24.
Detectives are also appealing for information following the report of an armed robbery in east Belfast on Friday 15th November. Police received a report shortly before 7am that a masked man had entered a shop on the Newtownards Road, near its junction with Dee Street, and threatened a male staff member with a knife.
The staff member was ordered to hand over a sum of cash and cigarettes before the suspect left the shop on foot in the direction of the city centre.
INVESTIGATION
Detective Sergeant Alexander said the suspect was described as being approximately 6’ tall, of medium build and was wearing a hooded top.
“An investigation is underway and anyone who saw a man matching this description, or who captured CCTV or dash-cam footage from the area which could assist with police enquiries, is asked to contact 101, quoting reference number 195 15/11/24,” said Detective Sergeant Alexander.
A second report of an armed robbery in east Belfast was received by police shortly after 7pm on Friday 15th November, that a man had entered a takeaway on the Newtownards Road and threatened a staff member with a hammer.
“The man demanded that the staff member hand over money, before damaging the till. He made off towards the city with a sum of cash,” said Detective Sergeant McCartan.
“The suspect is described as approximately 6ft tall and wearing an orange/red face covering.
“Anyone who saw a man matching this description, or who captured CCTV or dash-cam footage in the area at the relevant time, is asked to contact 101, quoting reference number 1506 15/11/24.”
Detective Sergeant McCartan said enquiries were ongoing and said they were investigating a potential link between this robbery and the earlier report of a man entering a shop on the Newtownards Road.
A report can be submitted online using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/. You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/
