Gunman threatens child in robbery

Police are searching for a man who pointed a gun at a young girl during an armed robbery in south Belfast.

The man, who is believed to be aged in his teens, went into a confectionery shop at the junction of Ravenhill Road and Ormeau Road at 1500 GMT on Monday.

While pointing the gun at the girl, who is of primary school age, he told the female owner of the shop to hand over the contents of a cash register.

Another child, a boy aged under five, was also present in the shop.

The robber, who escaped on foot with a sum on cash, was last seen on the Ormeau Road.

He is described as around 5ft 6ins tall, of thin build, with a pale complexion. He had short, light hair, a strong Belfast accent, and wore a white baseball cap, white zip-up tracksuit top and blue jeans.

Police have appealed for anyone with information to contact them.