Crime gang suspected over robbery

The families of staff members were held hostage during the robbery

The police have said paramilitary involvement in Saturday's robbery at the Boots store in Belfast is not their main line of inquiry.

It is thought a gang of six to 10 people was involved in stealing £118,000 from the city centre store.

The families of two members of staff were held hostage while the robbery took place.

Detective Chief Inspector Ian Gilchrist said police are concentrating on criminal involvement.

"The investigation's at a very early stage. I'm saying at this stage paramilitary involvement is not our main line of inquiry," Mr Gilchrist said.

Boots has said it will carry out a review of its security procedures following the robbery.

Two employees were ordered to go to the shop and get money while their families were held hostage at their homes in the south and west of the city.

The cash, which was hidden in sports bags, was handed over to the thieves at Wellington Place at about 0915 BST.

Boots manager Mary Woods said the company were assisting police

Boots area manager Mary Woods said the robbery made Saturday a difficult day for all their employees.

"We have 200 staff working in the store and thankfully, although what happened was extremely traumatic for those involved, no-one was hurt," she said.

"We are continuing to work closely with PSNI in their investigations."

Detectives want to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the money being exchanged.

No-one was injured during the incident, however, the hostages were said to be deeply shocked.

The chemist, which is Boots' main store in Belfast, remained closed throughout Saturday while the police investigation took place.

It re-opened on Sunday.