Woman attacked by man with hammer outside restaurant

The incident occurred outside a restaurant on the Lisburn Road at approximately 11pm on Friday.

A man wearing a grey hooded top, blue jeans and a dark baseball cap approached the woman and attempted to steal her handbag.

A struggle ensued and the man struck the woman a number of times on the arm.

The man, who is described as being approximately 5ft 6, made off empty handed in the direction of Lower Windsor Avenue.

The woman has been left badly shaken and has bruising on her arm.

Detective Constable McShane has appealed for anyone with information to contact police at Musgrave Police Station on 101, quoting reference number 139817/02/17. Information can also be passed anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800555111.