Detectives are investigating a report of an armed robbery at a shop on Woodstock Road in east Belfast yesterday, Sunday, December 13.

A report was made to police just before 5pm that a masked male came into the shop, jumped over the counter and produced a hatchet, waving it at a female staff member.

The suspect, wearing a navy tracksuit, is reported to have snatched a quantity of cigarettes and then fled on foot in the direction of Beersbridge Road.

Detective Sergeant Faulkner said: “Thankfully, no one was injured during what must have been a frightening ordeal for the staff member. 

“I am appealing to anyone who was in the area around this time yesterday and saw what happened, or has information which could help our investigation, to call us on 101 and quote reference number 1271 of 13/12/20.

“You can also submit a report online using our non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or call Crimestoppers anonymously on  0800 555 111.”