Shock among punters after masked man uses stun gun in attempted robbery at Belfast bookmakers

Police said the man had gained access through the ceiling of McLean’s bookmakers and demanded money from the employee at around 9am as the shop opened.

The man then used what police believed to be a stun gun on the female twice before making off from the scene. The female did not receive any injuries as a result of the incident.

McLean’s bookmakers remained closed for the rest of the morning with a steady stream of customers frustrated at not being able to get in.

When they learnt of what had happened they expressed concern for the female employee who had been attacked with a stun gun.

One said: “I can’t believe he used a stun gun. I hope she’s okay. It seems like it’s something that was planned if he came through the ceiling and was waiting with a stun gun.”

McLean’s were approached to check on the wellbeing of the staff member who was subject to the attack but said no one was available to speak to the media.

Police described the man responsible for the attempted robbery as being six foot tall, wearing a black balaclava, navy sweatshirt, black trousers and carrying a navy holdall.