Northern Ireland

Cash-in-transit van held up by gunman in Belfast's Cathedral Quarter

The van was targeted by a gunman at around 7.50am yesterday. Picture By Hugh Russell
The van was targeted by a gunman at around 7.50am yesterday. Picture By Hugh Russell The van was targeted by a gunman at around 7.50am yesterday. Picture By Hugh Russell

A cash-in-transit delivery van was held up by a gunman yesterday in Belfast city centre's Cathedral Quarter.

The van was targeted at around 7.50am on Academy Street, outside the Ulster University campus and close to St Anne's Cathedral.

A G4S employee was threatened with a black handgun and made to hand over a cash box by the robber, who made off in a "grey/silver coloured, older Renault Megane Scenic car that was driven by an accomplice".

It is understood the notes inside will have a distinctive green dye after a security pack activated when it was forced open.

The gunman was wearing a dark balaclava and a high visibility vest over a black top, a pair of red gloves and grey bottoms. He was described as being around 5' 7" tall.

The car was discovered on fire by police in Roumania Rise in the Divis area of west Belfast a short time later, with a damaged, empty cash-in-transit box a short distance away.

Police at the scene in Academy Street. Picture By Hugh Russell
Police at the scene in Academy Street. Picture By Hugh Russell Police at the scene in Academy Street. Picture By Hugh Russell

A PSNI spokesman said people had already come forward with information but "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".

He also asked for drivers with dash-cams who were in the area on Tuesday morning to check their footage and get in contact if they have recorded anything which might help.

Police at the scene in Academy Street Picture By Hugh Russell..
Police at the scene in Academy Street Picture By Hugh Russell.. Police at the scene in Academy Street Picture By Hugh Russell..

"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.”

Alliance councillor Nuala McAllister condemned those behind the armed robbery.

"It would have undoubtedly been a harrowing event for anybody involved, and do hope those who may be affected by the incident are safe and doing well," she said.

"I urge anyone with information about the incident to come forward and contact the police with it immediately."