Family Held Hostage In Robbery

Two members of the same family have been held hostage during a robbery in west Belfast.

The incident occurred on Wednesday morning (5 January).

It is understood the family were tricked into letting a man, who had been disguised as a postman, into their home. He then produced a gun and demanded money.

He held a man and woman hostage inside the property until another family member went to his workplace to obtain cash.

The money was handed over to another member of the gang at Fallswater Street at 9.30am.

Police said the alarm was raised after the handover took place.

Following the incident, one of the family members was taken to hospital for a check-up, but later released.

Officers have now launched an appeal for information and are looking to speak to anyone who saw a man with a holdall getting out of a silver car in Fallswater Street, located off the Falls Road, at around 9.30am. He gave the holdall to another man who then walked in the direction of Iveagh Street.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the PSNI in 0845 600 8000.

(JP/CD)