‘TERRIFYING ORDEAL’: Belfast taxi driver robbed at knifepoint after picking up three men

Detectives in north Belfast are appealing for information and witnesses after a taxi driver was reportedly robbed at knife point on Friday.

The incident occurred late on Friday night as the driver approached Brookhill Avenue to pick up passengers.

Three men entered the vehicle. One of the men behind the driver grabbed the driver's neck, whilst a front seat passenger produced a knife demanding the cab driver hand over cash.

The cabbie was not physically injured, but police are keen for witnesses to come forward.

Detective Sergeant McCartan said: "It was reported that around 11pm, the driver arrived in the Brookhill Avenue area to collect a fare when three men got into his vehicle.

"One of the men in the rear of the car grabbed the victim by the neck, before the man in the front passenger seat produced a knife and demanded money. "The three suspects left the area on foot in the direction of Cliftonville Road with a sum of cash. "All three men were described as being around 5' 8" to 5' 10" tall and wearing dark clothing. The man with the knife was described as wearing a black woollen hat and had dark stubble. "Thankfully, the victim, a man aged in his forties, did not report any physical injuries but this was a terrifying ordeal for someone who was trying to go about their business. "Our enquiries are ongoing and I would appeal to anyone with information to contact us on 101 quoting reference 2143 of 13/1/23."