Police in the North are appealing for information following three armed robberies in North and West Belfast.

Just before 8 o'clock last night a man armed with a firearm entered a convenience store in the Crumlin Road area while another man stayed outside.

They made off with a sum of cash and a quantity of cigarettes.

Then just before 9pm - two men - both armed with firearms, entered a bookmakers in West Belfast, they demanded money but left empty handed.

Shortly afterwards two men - one armed with a firearm and one with a hammer - entered another bookmakers but also left empty handed.

A link between the three incidents is being investigated and the PSNI is appealing for anyone with information to come forward.