THE manager of a west Belfast off-licence has spoken of his shock after it was robbed twice in one day.
The WineFlair outlet on Grosvenor Road was targeted in apparently unconnected raids just hours apart on Saturday.
The first robbery took place at around midday when a man wearing a cream hoodie and disposable facemask threatened staff with what was described as a “metal weapon” before making off with cash.
Staff believe the the weapon may have been a screwdriver or knife.
The off-licence was closed for "a couple of hours" before reopening.
However, at around 8pm it was targeted for a second time when a man, who was also wearing a facemask, threatened staff with a screwdriver before escaping again with money.
Manager Ian McCarter said it is the first time a serious incident has taken place inside the off-licence in around six years.
“It's been such a quiet shop - it's a shock because it happened twice in one day."
He said staff who were present when the first robber struck had gone home by the time the second raid took place.
He described the first robber as “calm” but said the second man pushed a member of staff.
“Staff thought he was on something - as he was leaving he knocked over several bottles of wine,” he said.
Mr McCatter said additional security measures may now be considered at the outlet.
Detective Sergeant Rachel Miskelly said the robberies are not thought to be connected.
“These robberies were terrifying ordeals for the staff involved and at this stage there does not appear to be any link between the two,” she said.
