A woman has been left “clearly distressed” after armed robbers wearing surgical masks stole her engagement ring.
The pair, a man and woman, attacked the victim in the Stewartstown Road area of West Belfast on Sunday night in a distraction style robbery.
Detectives are appealing for witnesses following the incident.
Detective Constable McVeagh said: “It was reported that a woman was robbed at knifepoint as she walked along the path in Woodside Forest. She was coming from the Bell Steel Road direction heading for Woodside Estate.
“At around 9.40pm, the woman, aged in her 20s, was approached by a male and a female. The female distracted the victim, while the man brandished a small pen knife and demanded money. The man grabbed at and ripped the victim’s pockets, taking her money; and the female proceeded to remove the victim’s watch and engagement ring.
“The male suspect is described as being aged in his 30s, approximately 5’ 6’’ in height, wearing a dark coat with the hood up, and dark bottoms. It’s believed he was wearing a paper surgical-type mask.
“The female suspect is also described as being aged in her 30s and approximately 5’ 6’’ in height. She, also, was wearing a dark coat with the hood up and a paper surgical-type mask.
“This was a despicable act and a terrifying ordeal, which has left the victim clearly distressed. “The engagement ring is, understandably, of immense sentimental value. This is a white gold ring, with a large square diamond in the middle, surrounded by smaller diamonds. There is a small blue/green stone among the smaller diamonds.”
The DC said she is appealing to anyone with information “that might assist our enquiries to get in touch with detectives on 101, quoting reference number 1399 of 05/04/20”.
The police added that witnesses can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. They added that “if anyone is offered a ring matching this description in unusual circumstances, please contact us immediately”.
