Four people were involved in separate robbery incidents across the province at the weekend.

In Londonderry, two brothers, both pensioners, were attacked at their home in Ballyronan at around 6pm on Sunday. One of the brothers had a gun held to his head as the gang of three ransacked the house. A struggle ensued before a gun was fired with one of the brothers suffering an injury to the face. The men tried to steal a car before eventually fleeing the scene.

Sinn Féin MP for Mid Ulster, Martin McGuinness hit out at the attack. He said: "In recent times there has been a marked increase in these sorts of attacks on elderly people, although this is the first such incident in this area.

People within the community must ensure that our elderly relatives and

neighbours feel safe in their own homes.

"I would wish to send my best wishes to these two men who have been through a very horrific ordeal."

Meanwhile, in west Belfast, a postman was threatened with a knife during a robbery in Coolnasilla Park East at around 7.45am on Saturday. The attacker, who is thought to be in his 20's, stole a number of packages before escaping in a white coloured car.

Elsewhere, in Co Tyrone, a female shop assistant was held at gunpoint during a robbery in Dungannon at around 10am on Saturday. The three assailants demanded cash before fleeing with some money and part of the shop's CCTV system. The woman had a gun put to her back during the ordeal at the Dungannon premises on the Newell Road.

Police have appealed for anyone with information on any of the incidents to contact them on 028 9065 0222 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

(MB)