Staff member ‘dragged to rear of off-licence’ during robbery in South Belfast

They were left badly shaken by the ordeal

A member of staff was “dragged to the rear” of an off-licence during a robbery in South Belfast.

Police are investigating the incident which was reported at around 4pm on Friday, August 14, in the Sunnyside Street area when two men, believed to be in their 20s, entered an off-licence and ordered a member of staff to open the tills. A sum of money was taken during the robbery with the men fleeing the scene on foot towards Ava Drive.

A member of staff was left badly shaken and was “dragged to the rear of the premises” during the ordeal.

One of the men has been described as around 6ft in height, well-built and wearing light grey tracksuit bottoms and a tracksuit top. The second man was described as being thin and was wearing light grey tracksuit bottoms and a tracksuit top which was light grey at the top half and dark grey at the bottom half.

Detective Sergeant Faulkner said: “At around 4pm, it was reported to police that two men entered an off-licence in the area. It was reported the men then went behind the till and ordered a member of staff to open the tills. It was reported that a sum of money was taken during the incident, as the men made off on foot via the front of the premises towards the Ava Drive area.

“The staff member, who was dragged to the rear of the premises during the incident, was not injured but left badly shaken.

“One of the males is described as being around 6ft in height, well-built and wearing light grey tracksuit bottoms and a light grey tracksuit top with dark grey patches on the side. The second man is described as being of thin build and wearing light grey tracksuit bottoms and a tracksuit top which was light grey at the top half and dark grey at the bottom half of the top. Both men are described as being aged in their 20s with their hoods up around their faces during the incident.

“Enquiries are continuing and police would ask anyone who might have any information which could assist to contact police using our witness appeal form at https://reporting.psni.police.uk/appeals quoting reference 1132 14/08/26 or call us on 101. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/.”

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