Shop worker stabbed in Belfast robbery

A shop assistant was recovering today in Belfast after he was stabbed during a robbery at a confectionery shop in the south of the city.

Two customers, an elderly man and a woman, were also assaulted when they stumbled upon the incident which occurred last night on the Stranmillis Road in the university area.

Two men armed with a screwdriver entered the shop at around 6.15pm and demanded money and cigarettes.

There was a struggle during which the shop assistant was stabbed in the shoulder.

The elderly man entered and was pushed down at the back of the shop. When the woman arrived, she was pushed and kicked and had her purse stolen.

The robbers – both described as being aged around 30 years – made off with cigarettes, money and cash cards.

Detectives in south Belfast have appealed to anyone who was on the Stranmillis Road between 6.15pm and 7pm and may have seen anyone acting suspiciously to help their investigation.