By Simon Hunter
Detectives are appealing for information after a number of robberies and attempted robberies at shops in east Belfast.
Between 7am and 9am yesterday morning, attempts were made to rob an off license on the Castlereagh Road and a shop on the Beersbridge Road. No money was taken.
At the same time, a man threatened shop staff on the Belmont Church Road, with an iron bar, before leaving with a small sum of money.
A man held staff at knifepoint on the Newtownards Road at around 1:30pm before leaving with a sum of money.
It's believed there were two or more others involved in the incidents and may have travelled in a silver-coloured Vauxhall Insignia car.
A 34-year-old man was arrested but has since been released on bail pending further enquiries.
There were no reports of injuries in any of the incidents.
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