by Peter Barnett

Masked raiders attacked a shop worker with a knife before escaping with cash from a supermarket, police revealed today.

The male victim was investigating noises in a staff area at the rear of Aldi's supermarket in Northdown Road, Cliftonville.

It happened at 5.40pm on Monday when he was confronted by robbers wearing balaclavas.

Police say the assailants demanded money and hit him on the head with the weapon, although his injury is not said to be serious.

An undisclosed sum of cash was taken from the safe and the attackers ran off into Zion Place just off Northdown Road.

They are thought to be aged in their 30s, around 5ft 8in tall.

Police conducted door-to-door inquiries in the immediate area on Monday night and CCTV footage from the store is being studied by detectives.

Police were waiting to interview the shop worker further this morning.

Investigations will continue this week.