Detectives at Musgrave Station are appealing for information and witnesses following two reports of robberies at commercial premises in the south Belfast area yesterday evening, Monday 29th December.

Detective Sergeant Faulkner said: “It was reported at around 6.30pm that a man entered commercial premises on the Ormeau Road and approached the counter, purporting to purchase a drink, before pulling a knife from his pocket and demanding money.

“He then fled the scene in the direction of University Street without taking anything, after the female staff member told him that police were on their way.

He is described as six ft in height, aged in his 20s, and wearing a dark coloured jacket and black hoody underneath, grey tracksuit bottoms, and black shoes

“Sometime later, shortly before 10.20pm, it was reported that a man, dressed in a dark hoody, grey bodywarmer, grey track bottoms and black gloves, and armed with a knife, entered commercial premises on the Ormeau Road, and took money from the till.

“He then left the premises on foot in the direction of Agincourt Avenue with a sum of cash.

“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.

“The number to call is 101, quoting reference number 1189 of 29/12/25.”

Alternatively, you can submit a report 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