Shops targeted in separate robberies

Police are appealing for information following two separate robberies in Belfast and Newry last night.

In Belfast, two males, one of whom was armed with a handgun, entered a video shop and threatened staff before making off with a sum of cash.

Both thieves are believed to be in their mid to late teens. The first was approximately 5'6" tall, of thin build and was wearing a black coloured baseball cap and a dark coloured jacket. The second was around 5'4" tall and also wore a dark coloured baseball cap.

The incident happened shortly before 10pm.

At around the same time, a male armed with a machete entered a shop in Kilmorey Street, Newry.

He ordered staff to hand over the contents of the till before making off on foot with a sum of money.

The thief is described as being in his late teens or early twenties, approximately 5'9" tall with a pale complexion. He was wearing a baseball cap, a cream hooded top and blue leggings.

Anyone with information on either incident are asked to contact the police in Newry on 028 3026 5500 or Castlereagh on 02890 650222, or alternatively Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

(MB)