Police Appeal After Knifepoint Threat and Theft on Salisbury Avenue

Officers are appealing to the North Belfast community for information following a serious theft and threat incident that occurred on Salisbury Avenue just after 6pm on Saturday, January 3rd.

The victim, a man who was walking and using his phone at the time, was approached by a group of four men who initially asked him for a lighter. When the man approached them to assist, the group took his mobile phone. When he asked for the device to be returned, one of the suspects produced a large knife and demanded the phone's PIN number.

Thankfully, the man was not physically injured during the ordeal, though he was understandably shaken by the frightening experience.

PSNI officers are keen to identify the suspects, all of whom are described as being aged in their early 20s.

The man who brandished the knife is described as being approximately 5ft 10 tall and spoke with a Belfast accent. He was wearing a black tracksuit and a snood covering his face. Another of the men was noted for wearing distinctive trainers which were differently coloured on each foot.

Police believe the area would have been busy at the time of the incident and are urging anyone who may have noticed any suspicious activity to come forward. They are particularly interested in speaking to anyone who may have dashcam footage from Salisbury Avenue around 6pm on Saturday, January 3rd.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 1108 03/01/26. Alternatively, reports can be submitted using the non-emergency reporting form available via the PSNI website, or information can be provided completely anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.