Police are searching for a man who tried to rob a pharmacy in north Belfast at knife-point yesterday.

The man, who is described as in his 40s, average height and slim build, entered the pharmacy on Whitewell Road at 2.40pm armed with a knife and demanding money and drugs before fleeing empty-handed.

Gerard Greene, the chief executive of Community Pharmacy Northern Ireland, took to Twitter to say: “Unacceptable to hear reports of staff being violently threatened in an attempted robbery at a local pharmacy today. Please respect teams working hard to help those needing healthcare in our communities #Zerotolerance.”

Cathy Harrison, the chief pharmaceutical officer for Northern Ireland, said: "Very concerned to hear of another violent incident in a community pharmacy. Our pharmacy teams must not be mistreated."

In a statement, the Police Service of Northern Ireland said: “At approximately 2.40pm, police received a report that a man armed with a knife had entered the premises and threatened staff before demanding drugs and cash from the till.

“He is described as being aged in his 40s, of slim build, approximately 5’8 tall and was wearing a black gilet, grey tracksuit, a beanie hat and a black mask.

“I would appeal to anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who may have any dash-cam footage that could help with our investigation, to contact police on 101 quoting reference 1070 of 07/02/22."