Man arrested following searches linked to armed robbery of cash in transit van

Q Radio news

A 32 year old man has been arrested in connection with the armed robbery of a cash in transit van in Belfast city centre. 

The Driver was threatened by a masked man armed with a handgun on Tuesday morning in Academy street. 

Police searched three properties in the Divis area of West Belfast last night. 

The gunman made off with the cash box on Tuesday in a grey/silver coloured, older Renault Megan Scenic car which was being driven by an accomplice.

He was wearing a dark balaclava, a high visibility vest over a black top, a pair of red gloves and grey bottoms at the time.

The car was later found burned out in Roumania Rise where a damaged, empty cash box was found a short distance away.

A PSNI spokesperson said “While I would again like to thank those people who have come forward with information, 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 on Tuesday morning to call detectives on 101 quoting reference number 185 of 10 March 2020.

“I would also be keen for drivers with dashcams who were in the area on Tuesday morning to check their footage and to get in contact if they have recorded any footage which might help."

Police have not confirmed how much money was stolen, but say a green die pack fitted as part of the security measures exploded.

Retailers are being asked to contact police if they notice anyone attempting to use banknotes covered in green dye.