Detectives are appealing for witnesses following two armed robberies yesterday on Sunday 4 February.
Shortly afterxa010.30amxa0it was reported that two unknown men, one armed with a hammer, entered a shop on Main Street in Dundrum and threatened staff before making off with a sum of cash. It is believed that the suspects made off in a silver coloured car that was parked nearby.
At aroundxa01.40pmxa0it was reported that three unknown men entered an off licence on North Queen Street in north Belfast and threaten staff with a knife. The males make off with a sum of cash, a quantity of cigarettes and a number of bottles of alcohol. A female member of staff sustained a cut to her hand during the incident. It is believed the suspects made off in a silver coloured car that was parked in Upper Canning Street.
A silver Citroen car believed to have been involved in the incidents was found abandoned on Upper Whiterock Road in west Belfast at aroundxa04pmxa0yesterday afternoon. A 23-year old man and a 27 year old woman were arrested a short distance away on suspicion of a number of offences. A 41 year old man was arrested in the Belfast area earlier today in connection with the incidents. The female was interviewed and released on police bail pending further enquiries. Both men remain in police custody at this time.
Detective Sergeant Keith Wilson is appealing for anyone who witnessed the incidents or anyone with any information that can assist with the investigation to contact detectives in Musgrave Police Station on 101 quoting reference 807 ofxa004/02/18.
Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.
Sinn Féin MLA Emma Rogan has condemned those behind an armedxa0robberyxa0at a petrol station in Dundrumxa0on Sundayxa0morning.
The South Down MLA said: “The armedxa0robberyxa0at the petrol station in Dundrum can only be described as an act of madness.
“This must have been a very frightening experience for the members of staff and I would appeal for anyone with information on this robberyxa0to bring it forward to the PSNIxa0straight away.”
