DETECTIVES IN NORTHERN Ireland are seeking assistance in identifying two men involved in hijacking and robbery incidents in Belfast this morning.

The attacks happened within a short period of time before 10.30am in the Woodstock Road area.

In the first at about 10.15, two men tried to get into a car at Jocelyn Avenue while a woman was inside. When they failed, the men made off along Woodstock Road and attempted to steal a handbag from a woman in her 60s close to the Credit Union.

A family member managed came to her aid and the men ran off, chased by members of the public. The woman sustained injuries to her head, neck and left arm and was taken to hospital for a check-up.

Minutes later, a woman in her 20s was pulled from her red Ford Focus at Isthmus Street by two men, who then drove off in it. The car has not yet been located.

The men are described as being in their 20s, with local accents. One was wearing a black top and the other a grey tracksuit.

Anyone who saw the incidents or can hep identify the men is asked to contact the CID at Musgrave station on 0800 600 8000 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.