A TILL AND cash was stolen during an armed robbery in Belfast last night, one man was armed with a hammer.

It happened at the Ainsworth Avenue area of North Belfast at around 8:50pm.

Two men entered the shop and took a sum of money and the till, it’s believed a member of staff was pushed out of the way during the incident.

Another two men were waiting in a white Citroen Saxo and they drove towards the Springfield Road area.

The car was found set alight at the Roumania Rise, West Belfast area at around 9:30pm.

Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service attended the scene and the car was completely destroyed.

The stolen till was later recovered in the area of the Dunville Street area, West Belfast at around 00:50am.

Chief Inspector Bobby Singleton said: “Police are appealing to anyone who witnessed this incident or has information in relation to it to contact them on the non-emergency number 101.

“If you would prefer to provide information without giving your details you can contact the independent Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.”