Homeowner slashed with knife during robbery

A man has been injured in a knife attack during a robbery at his home in Co Tyrone last night.

George Burke was in his remote cottage when a woman called at his door around midnight on Tuesday screaming that a baby had been injured in a road accident. When Mr Burke opened the door he was attacked by two men who pinned him to the floor.

The gang, including the woman, ransacked the man's home before attempting to flee. On the way out Mr Burke attempted to grab the woman, however she got away.

The gang then returned and attacked the man with a knife slashing his arm twice before ripping a telephone out of the wall.

The attackers escaped with a sum of money and other items.

Mr Burke's 11-year-old son was in the house when the incident occurred but was asleep at the time.

Police have appealed for anyone with information about the incident to contact them.

Elsewhere, a woman has been left badly shaken during an armed robbery at her home in Bangor.

Five men entered the woman's home at Beechwood Avenue in the town. They demanded drugs and money before ransacking the house.

They left with phones and a sum of money.

(MB)