Alliance South Belfast MLA Paula Bradshaw has described a robbery on the Lisburn Road this morning as “reckless and crazy”.

Ms Bradshaw said: “At a time of the biggest health crisis we have faced for over a century, for anyone to rob one of the few stores remaining open and providing essential services is reckless and crazy. That the perpetrator then proceeded also to try to steal a van defies belief.

“The PSNI now has to divert resources at a time when they should be keeping the community safe and ensuring that we manage the burden on our Health Services. That is utterly appalling.

“My sympathies first of all go to the shopkeeper affected. This is a difficult enough period for anyone without going through such an ordeal.

“I would appeal to anyone who was in the area to help catch this reckless individual, who is said to be in his 30s, 5”10’ with short, dark hair and wearing a hooded top. Please call the PSNI on 101 or anonymously the Crime Stoppers charity on 0800 555 111.”