Detectives in Belfast are investigating a number of incidents in the south of the city on Saturday, 15th March. 

Detective Sergeant McVeagh said: "At around 4.55pm, we received a report that a man believed to be aged in his 50s had entered business premises on Agincourt Avenue armed with a knife. After making threats towards staff, he made off in the direction of Botanic Gardens with a sum of cash, alongside tobacco and cigarettes. 

"Thankfully, although they were shaken by the incident, the staff were otherwise unharmed.  

"Just before 8.40pm, officers on patrol in the Ormeau Road area were flagged down by a member of the public who stated that his electric bike had been stolen. It was later reported that the bike had been taken at knifepoint by two men aged in their 20s."

Detective Sergeant McVeagh continued: "The third incident occurred at around 9.35pm, when a white Mercedes and blue Volkswagen Golf pulled up to a residential property in Damascus Street. Approximately six people got out of the vehicles and entered the property by force, armed with a number of weapons.

"Substantial damage was caused to the windows of the property before the six made off from the scene.

"Our officers obtained registration numbers for the vehicles involved and Roads Policing Unit stopped one of the cars around 45 minutes later. The four people on board were arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary. 

"The four - two men aged 34 and 20, a woman aged 21 and a young person aged 16 – were later released on bail to allow for further enquiries."

Detective Sergeant McVeagh advised that officers are keen to hear from witnesses to the three incidents. 

"We know that south Belfast would be busy at the weekend with people out and about enjoying their free time, and would ask that anyone who has information in relation to the above matters make contact with detectives by calling 101, quoting reference number 1605 of 15/03/24."

You can also make a report online at https://www.psni.police.uk/report/incident, or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Guidance : A possible link between the incidents is one line of enquiry being explored.