Armed robbery at travel agents

Armed robbers have held up a travel agency forcing staff to hand over thousands of pounds worth of sterling and other currencies, police said today.

Two men, armed with a handgun and hammer, made off with the cash after the incident in Castlereagh, east Belfast.

The men entered the premises, which is close to the Saintfield Road’s junction with Newton Park, at around 10.45am.

As well as sterling, they forced staff to give them substantial amounts of euro and US dollars.

They made their escape towards School Road.

Detectives have asked anyone who witnessed suspicious activity in the area or has been offered such currency in suspicious circumstances to contact them.