Two men have been arrested after an ice cream van was stolen and a man was assaulted in west Belfast last night.

The PSNI said it received a report at around 9pm that two men approached the driver of an ice cream van who had stopped in the Lagmore View area.

Police said it was reported there was a "brief verbal exchange" before the two suspects got inside the van and drove it towards Mount Eagles Road, onto Lagmore Avenue and Teeling Avenue where it was abandoned.

The van reportedly crashed into a vehicle parked in the area. It was also reported that a man who was in the area at the time was assaulted. He was checked by paramedics at the scene.

A sum of money was reported to have been taken from the van, while damage was caused to a dash-cam, according to police.

A 23-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of driving with excess alcohol in breath and taking a motor vehicle without authority.

A 28-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of driving while unfit through drink or drug, taking a motor vehicle without authority and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

Both men remain in custody.

Police investigating the theft of the van are appealing for witnesses and information.