Take away driver hijacked in west Belfast

Detectives are appealing for information following a hijacking incident that took place in the early hours of Monday morning.

A masked man brandishing a shotgun approached a 23-year-old take away driver who was making a delivery in the Carrigart Avenue area shortly before 1am.

He got in the car and repeatedly threatened to shoot the 23-year-old before taping his hands to the steering wheel and forcing him to drive for a short time.

The hijacker then got in to the driver’s seat and drove around the Poleglass and Twinbrook areas for approximately 30 minutes.

He then left the deliver driver off on the Upper Springfield Road, before driving off at speed. The black Vauxhall Corsa was later found abandoned in Dunmurry.

The young man suffered bruising to the stomach and ribs, after he was forced to dive out of the way of the oncoming car. He had been taken to hospital and is understood to be traumatised by his ordeal.

The hijacker is described as being around 5ft 10ins of medium build and wearing a green combat jacket, dark jeans and surgical gloves.

Police are asking for anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or who may have any information to contact them on the Antrim Road station on: 0845 600 8000 or alternatively on the confidential Crimestoppers number: 0800 555 111.

(JM/SP)