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Witness appeal after two armed robberies in Belfast

A man reportedly stole cash and alcohol from the two off-licences

[PSNI police car (stock)]

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The PSNI is investigating (stock image) (Image: Jonathan Porter/PressEye)

Detectives have launched an appeal for witnesses following two armed robberies in Belfast.

PSNI officers were rushed to the scene at around 7:50pm on Thursday evening following reports of a robbery at an off-licence on Agincourt Avenue in south Belfast.

It was reported that a man entered the store, took a quantity of alcohol to the counter and then produced a knife before demanding that staff empty the tills. The man then left the store, with the cash and alcohol.

Then, at 9.50pm police received a second report of a robbery at an off-licence on the Lisburn Road. It was reported that a man, matching the description from the previous incident, had entered the store just minutes earlier.

Again, the man reportedly took alcohol to the counter and produced a knife before demanding that staff empty the till. He left the store with the cash and alcohol, making off in the direction of Donnybrook Street.

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An urgent appeal has been issued by the PSNI(Image: Getty)

PSNI detective Sergeant McGearty said: The suspect in both robberies is described as mid-thirties and approximately five foot nine inches in height.

This was a terrifying ordeal for the off-licence staff and we're relieved that, although shaken by their experience, none of the staff members sustained any injury.

Detectives are investigating a possible link between the two reports, and are asking anyone who was in the area at the time and saw any suspicious activity, or who might have any CCTV footage which could assist with enquiries, to get in touch.

You can contact us on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference number 1571 of 06/08/26 (Agincourt Avenue), or 1746 of 06/08/26 (Lisburn Road).

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