Arrest After Co Down Aggravated Burglary

A 24 year-old man is in custody following an aggravated burglary in Downpatrick.

Police said a woman was threatened during the ordeal at a house in the Co Down town in the early hours of Monday morning, 20 January.

Two suspects, one armed with a knife and the other with a metal pole, entered the house on the Ballintogher Road at around 6am.

The woman was pushed onto the sofa and threatened by one of the culprits who brandished the knife towards her before a set of car keys were stolen.

The suspects then fled the scene with a sum of money and a black Ford Ka vehicle, which was later found abandoned in the Saul Brae area.

Two other people were in the house at the time and all three managed to avoid injury.

Police have released details of the two suspects. The individual brandishing the metal pole is described as being approximately 5'10'' tall, around 20-years-old and wore a hooded top that covered his jaw and had brown hair and blue eyes.

The second suspect, armed with a knife, is thought to be between 30 and 35-years old, is described as being 'heavy set' and approximately 6' tall. He had a pale complexion and wore a grey hooded top.

A 24 year-old has since been arrested on suspicion of offences including aggravated burglary with intent to steal, aggravated vehicle taking causing damage to the vehicle, burglary with intent to steal, possession of an offensive weapon in a public place and robbery.

He remained in custody on Tuesday afternoon, 21 January.

PSNI Inspector McGrattan said: "This was a horrific ordeal for the three occupants of the house. Thankfully, no injuries were reported, but the occupants have understandably been left badly shaken by what must have been a traumatic ordeal. This took place in their home, somewhere they rightly deserve to feel safe.

"I am appealing to anyone who may have been in the Ballintogher Road area between 6am and 6:15am yesterday and saw any suspicious activity, including two males matching the descriptions of the suspects, or who believes they may have seen a black Ford Ka in the area, to get in touch."

Those with information they believe may be relevant are advised to call non-emergency line 101 quoting reference 179 of 20/01/20. Details can also be submitted via anonymous charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.



(JG/CM)