Belfast restaurant staff left shaken after being threatened with knife in robbery bid

He produced a knife which he brandished at three members of staff while threatening them and demanding money.

11:28, 03 Jan 2026Updated 11:31, 03 Jan 2026

Stock image(Image: Justin Kernoghan/Belfast Live)

Police are appealing for information after an attempted robbery in Belfast city centre in the early hours of Saturday, 3 rd January.

Officers received a report that at around 3am a man had entered a fast food business on Donegall Place and gone to the area behind the service counter.

He produced a knife which he brandished at three members of staff while threatening them and demanding money. He was escorted from the premises by security, and made off in the direction of Royal Avenue. Thankfully, none of the staff were injured, although they were shaken by the incident.

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A PSNI spokesperson added: “The suspect is described as being around 5ft 10 with a Belfast accent. He was wearing a black jacket with the hood up, black face covering and grey tracksuit bottoms.

“We are keen to speak to anyone who may have been in the area at this time and noticed any suspicious activity, particularly anyone who may have dashcam footage. The number to call is 101, quoting reference number 168 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.

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Image Credits and Reference: https://www.belfastlive.co.uk/news/belfast-news/belfast-restaurant-staff-left-shaken-33160440