21/01/2014

Elderly Couple Robbed By Masked Men

An elderly couple has been left shaken after their home was robbed by five masked men, one of whom is believed to have been armed with a screwdriver.

Detectives in Downpatrick are investigating the burglary at the home in Ballynahinch, County Down.

The incident began at about 20:15 on Monday 20 January when five masked men entered a house at Loughside Drive.

The gang confronted three people in a rear bedroom; an 80 year old woman, a 76 year old man and a man in his forties.

One of these men kept the family in the room while the others began to search the property.

Another man in his forties who had been in an upstairs bedroom at the time was then brought downstairs by the intruders and held with the rest of the family in the rear bedroom.

The gang searched the house and made off with a sum of cash via an unlocked rear door.

The PSNI said all the males involved had obscured their faces with scarves and baseball caps.

It is also believed one of the men spoke with an English accent.

Detectives are keen to hear from witnesses or anyone with any other information regarding this crime. They can be contacted by calling 0845 600 8000.

The independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.

(IT/MH)

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