A lorry driver was threatened and his vehicle set alight during an attempted hijacking in North Belfast on Thursday.
Police received reports shortly before 1.30pm that a lorry carrying stones was parked at the Hillview Road area. It was reported that the armed man then entered the vehicle and threatened the driver.
The driver then left the vehicle and it is believed the lorry was then set alight.
Officers said the vehicle was completely destroyed following the incident. The victim was uninjured but has been left shaken.
Police are asking anyone who may have any information about what happened to contact them.
Detective Inspector Dane said: "Shortly before 1.30pm, it was reported that a lorry was parked at the Hillview Road area. An unknown male armed with a suspected firearm entered the vehicle and threatened the driver. The driver then left the vehicle and it is believed the lorry was then set alight. The lorry was completely destroyed following the incident.
"This was a terrifying ordeal for the driver who has been left shaken by the incident but thankfully no injuries were reported. Enquiries are continuing to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident."
SDLP councillor Paul McCusker condemned the incident: "This was a terrifying experience for the driver and luckily he escaped without any serious injury.
"I would appeal to anyone who was in the area today and seen anything to report it to police."
A Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson told Belfast Live: “Firefighters attended the scene of a lorry on fire on the Hillview Road, Belfast. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus extinguished the fire.
“The incident was dealt with by 1.35pm.”
The PSNI have appealed to anyone who was in the area at the time and saw anything or anyone who may have dashcam footage to contact with detectives on 101, quoting reference 956 09/09/2021.
Alternatively, you can submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/.
You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/.
