Police investigate armed robbery of cash-in-transit van

Police are investigating a report of an armed robbery of a cash-in-transit van in Belfast city centre.

The Academy Street and Exchange Street areas were cordoned off on Tuesday morning, while officers held the scene.

The incident was reported to the PSNI at about 7.50am. Police say a man armed with a black handgun, threatened the cash-in-transit employee. The man made off with a cash box which contained a small sum of cash in a grey/silver coloured Renault Megane Scenic, driven by an accomplice.

They added that the man was wearing a dark coloured balaclava, a high visibility vest over a black top, a pair of red gloves, grey bottoms and is described as being approximately 5’7 tall.

The getaway vehicle was then found on fire in Roumania Rise in west Belfast along with a damaged, empty cash-in-transit box a short distance away.

Detective Sergeant O’Flaherty said: "While I would like to thank those people who have come forward with information already, this robbery happened as rush hour got underway, so I am appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident or who saw anything suspicious in the area of Academy Street, Exchange Street, or the car being abandoned and set alight on Roumania Rise this morning to call detectives on 101 quoting reference number 185 of 10 March 2020.

"I would also be keen for drivers with dashcams who were in the area this morning to check their footage and to get in contact if they have recorded any footage which might help."

Det Sgt O’Flaherty added: "While we are not confirming the amount of money that was stolen, a green dye pack fitted as part of the security measures in the cash box did explode, so I would also ask people and in particular retailers to contact us if they encounter anyone attempting to use banknotes covered in green dye."