The man had been walking, using his phone, when a group of four men asked him for a lighter.
Police are appealing for information after a theft and and knife threat in North Belfast.
Officers received a report that a man had his phone stolen before being threatened at knifepoint, just after 6pm on Saturday January 3. He had been walking on Salisbury Avenue, using his phone, when a group of four men asked him for a lighter.
When he approached the men to assist, they took his phone. When he asked for it back, one of the men produced a large knife and demanded his phone PIN. Thankfully, the man was not injured, although he was shaken by the incident.
READ MORE: Lisburn house ransacked and cash stolen in New Year burglary as police probe linkREAD MORE: Man dies after one-vehicle weekend crash in Co Antrim
A PSNI spokesperson said: “The suspects are all described as being aged in their early 20s. The man who brandished the knife is described as being approximately 5ft 10 tall, with a Belfast accent.
“He was wearing a black tracksuit and a snood over his face. One of the other men was wearing distinctive trainers which were differently coloured on each foot. “We know the area was busy at the time and are keen to speak to anyone who may have noticed any suspicious activity, particularly anyone who may have dashcam footage. The number to call is 101, quoting reference number 1108 03/01/26.” A report can also be submitted online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or, alternatively, information can be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.
