Local politicians have united to condemn an aggravated burglary in Belfast.

SDLP East Belfast Westminster candidate Mary Muldoon condemned the incident at the home of an elderly couple on the Upper Newtownards Road on Saturday night.

Four masked men took jewellery and cash during after they forced their way into the house at about 11.45pm on Saturday night.

The three occupants of the house, a man aged 71, a woman, 69, and a man, 27, were held in a room while the men ransacked the house.

One of the male occupants was taken to hospital for treatment on a suspected rib injury.

Police said all three were left "extremely shaken" by their ordeal.

The masked men - who wore balaclavas, dark clothing and gloves - made off in a turquoise-coloured Mercedes car.

Commenting, Ms Muldoon said: "This was a disgraceful incident and I condemn it without question. Everybody has the right to live in their home in peace and dignity. Sadly, there are others who believe it is their right to do what they wish in the name of money and material wealth.

"I wish all occupants of the house a speedy recovery from their ordeal and, sadly, one person suffered injuries at the hands of the intruders, the physical scars may take longer to heal. I hope this is not the case," she said, noting that anyone with information should contact the police without delay.

Robin Newton, the East Belfast DUP MLA, said the robbery in Ballyhackamore was a well-planned incident carried out by experienced criminals in possession of accurate information.

"This robbery will leave the elderly victims in a traumatic state for a long time to come.

"This criminal act must be condemned and any one with information should contact the PSNI in Strandtown Station," he underlined.

Alliance MLA Naomi Long also expressed disgust at the circumstances of the robbery.

"This was a despicable robbery and I am saddened that someone in the house at the time was injured and was taken to hospital. I want to wish them a swift recovery," she said.

"This would have been a terrifying ordeal and I cannot understand the mindset of someone who would stoop so low as to do this.

"People need to be able to feel safe in their homes and we need to take people who carry out acts like this off our streets."

(BMcC/GK)