A 19-year-old man has appeared in court after being charged in connection with a robbery in east Belfast.
He appeared before Belfast Magistrates’ Court this afternoon, charged with robbery, possession of an offensive weapon with intent to commit an indictable offence, and theft.
It comes after staff at a commercial premises in east Belfast were left “shaken” after being threatened with a knife during a robbery, police have said.
Police confirmed the 19-year-old man was arrested following the robbery, which took place on Thursday evening.
Detective Sergeant Kitchen said: “At approximately 7.25pm, a man who was wearing dark clothing and a mask entered commercial premises in the Holywood Road area, armed with a weapon.
“The suspect threatened staff with a knife and demanded money. He then fled the premises on foot with a sum of cash from a till.
“Thankfully, staff were unharmed but left shaken by what was obviously a terrifying experience for them and others who were in the off licence at the time.
“Officers responded and a short time later the suspect, a 19-year-old man, was detained in the Grampian Avenue area.
“He was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon with intent to commit an indictable offence, theft, possessing an article with blade or point in a public place and robbery.”
Police have asked that anyone who was in the area at the time and has any additional information, CCTV or mobile footage to contact them.
As is usual procedure, the charge will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service.