Detectives are appealing for information after a report of an attempted robbery in east Belfast in the early hours of Saturday, February 10.

It was reported to police that shortly after 3.20am, staff at a takeaway in the Beersbridge Road area of east Belfast were outside the premises after locking up, when a man approached them and produced a gun.

He told them to go back into the store before attempting to assault one of them. When the second member of staff intervened, the man ran off, empty-handed, in the direction of Melrose Avenue.

The suspect was described as around 5’ 8” in height, wearing a black puffer coat, dark grey tracksuit bottoms, a balaclava and black gloves.

Enquiries continue and officers are keeping an open mind as to whether this is linked to any other reports.

As part of the investigation, anyone who may have any information, including dashcam, CCTV or other footage, is asked to ring 101 and quote reference 211 10/02/24.

Alternatively, you can submit a report online using our 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/