A woman was threatened with a “suspected handgun” during a robbery on a South Belfast road.
At around 3.10pm on Saturday, January 4, it was reported that a woman in her 20s was walking along the Ormeau Road. As she began crossing at the junction of Candahar Street, an unknown male snatched her black leather bag from her shoulder.
He made off towards Burmah Street, when the female gave chase. At the junction of Burmah Street and Ava Avenue, it was reported the man pointed a suspected handgun at the woman before making off in the direction of Parkmore Street.
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Police have issued an appeal for information, including a description of the suspect, and said the woman received a cut to her knee and has been left shaken following the incident.
Detective Sergeant Faulkner said: “Shortly after 3:10pm, it was reported that a woman in her 20s was walking and as she began crossing at the junction of Candahar Street, an unknown male snatched her black leather bag from her shoulder.
“The male off towards Burmah Street when the female gave chase and at the junction of Burmah Street and Ava Avenue, it was reported the male pointed a suspected handgun at the woman before making off in the direction of Parkmore Street.
“The woman received a cut to her knee and was left badly shaken following the incident. The male is described as of thin build and wearing grey tracksuit bottoms, a black zipped up coat and wearing grey, black and white trainers with a baby blue tick on them.”
South Belfast SDLP councillor Gary McKeown has condemned the reported robbery which took place in broad daylight. He said: “I’m appalled that a woman was robbed in broad daylight on the Ormeau Road, and extremely concerned at reports that a suspected handgun was pointed at the victim when she gave chase.
“This is a very busy and popular part of the city, particularly on a Saturday afternoon with many people including families in the area, so for an attack like this to happen is very shocking.
“This incident will cause a lot of concern in the community, and my thoughts are with the woman who endured this awful experience. I hope she is getting the support she needs after such an ordeal. Anyone with any information, or who saw anything, should come forward.”
Detective Sergeant Faulkner added: “Enquiries are continuing and we would appeal to anyone who witnessed the incident, or who may have any information which could assist with the investigation to contact detectives on 101 quoting reference number 740 04/01/25. 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/.”
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