Elderly woman 'pushed to the ground' in North Belfast robbery

Q Newsdesk

A woman in her 80's has been pushed to the ground during a robbery in North Belfast.

It happened just before 7.30 this morning in the Cliftonville Circus area of the Oldpark Road.

The pensioner had just left a shop at the time, and her handbag and shopping bag were both taken.

Following the attack, she was taken to hospital with a bump to the head.

Police have described it as a 'cowardly and shameful' act, which has left the woman 'traumatised'.

A 22 year old man has been arrested in connection with the incident.

Inspector Adam Corner said:

“We received a report just before 7.25am this morning that a woman, after coming out of a shop, was pushed to the ground by a young man, who then made off with her handbag and shopping bag.  It is believed the man had been loitering in the area prior to the robbery.!

“The lady, who is her eighties, was taken to hospital.  She has sustained a bump to her head, and has been left traumatised after this shameful and cowardly act. "

“I’m keen to thank the member of the public who immediately reported this incident to us.  Thanks to prompt action, we were able to make an arrest shortly afterwards and the lady’s belongings have been recovered."

“A 22-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of a number of offences, including robbery.  He remains in custody, assisting us with enquiries."