THE Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) have launched an investigation into a hijacking incident which took place in Belfast over the weekend.
Detectives with the PSNI are appealing for witnesses after a man was hijacked and assaulted while driving near Belfast city centre on Friday night, 15 May.
A police report states that the driver had stopped in the Maryville Street area at around 9.10pm when he was aggressively pulled from his van by an unknown assailant.
The hijacker, a male, drove off in the stolen van, crashing into both a parked car and wall as he did so.
The stolen van, a Renault Trafic, was found abandoned just over half an hour later on Carlow Street in north Belfast.
Police say that the victim was left badly shaken by the incident but thankfully had no physical injuries.
Detectives investigating the case have now launched an appeal for information, and have asked anyone who may have witnessed the incidnt, particularly drivers who may have dash cam footage of the hijacking, to come forward.
Anyone with information which could assist the investigation is urged to contact the PSNI on 101 quoting reference number 1849 of 15/15/20.
If someone has information but would like to remain anonymous, they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.