Two arrested after ice cream van theft in west Belfast

by Q Radio News

Two men have been arrested after an Ice Cream van was stolen in west Belfast last night. 

Police say two men stopped the vehicle near Lagmore view at around 9pm, in the vicinity of the roundabout.

It's understood there was a brief verbal exchange before the suspects took off in the van towards Mount Eagles Road, onto Lagmore Avenue and Teeling Avenue, where the van was later found abandoned. 

Police say it was reported the vehicle collided with a parked car in the area. 

A man was also assaulted in the area around that time and was checked by paramedics at the scene. 

Meanwhile, a sum of money was taken from the van, while damage was caused to Dash Cam. 

Sergeant Marks said, “A 23-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of driving with excess alcohol in breath and taking a motor vehicle without authority.

"A 28-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of driving while unfit through drink or drug, taking a motor vehicle without authority and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Both men remain in custody this morning. 

“I want to appeal to anyone who was in the area last night and may have captured footage of the van being driven in the area, from 9pm onwards, to contact us.

"I would also appeal to anyone who has information about this incident, including the assault of a man in the Teeling Avenue area, to get in touch with us by calling 101, quoting reference number 1796 18/02/20.”

Alternatively, call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.