Police appeal for information following Co Down robberies

Police have appealed for information following what is thought to be two connected burglaries in County Down last night.

In the first incident, a 30-year-old man and his father were left traumatised after three men entered their house in Warrenpoint just before 7.30pm.

The robbers, who were armed with sticks, threatened the two men before making off with a sum of cash. The men were not harmed during the attack, however they were deeply shocked by the ordeal.

A short time later, at around 8pm in Newry, three robbers threatened a man in his 80's.

The pensioner was alone in his home at the Sandy Row area of Newry, when three men armed with an axe and a brick forced their way into his house.

One of the robbers threatened the man with the axe, and then stood guard over him while the others ransacked the house.

They escaped with an undisclosed sum of money, leaving the pensioner in a state of shock.

Ulster Unionist Newry & Armagh assembly member, Danny Kennedy, condemned those behind the two robberies.

Mr Kennedy said: “I strongly condemn those behind these despicable crimes. There has been a spate of such incidents in the area of late whereby pensioners have been deliberately targeted. People have a right to feel safe and secure in their own homes. There is absolutely no place for this type of mindless thuggery in right-thinking society."

Sinn Fein MLA for South Down, Caitriona Ruane has said that the robberies have caused widespread anger amongst the local community.

Ms Ruane said: "Any robberies on peoples' homes are a major cause for concern but when the victims are elderly pensioners it is even more despicable. A couple of weeks ago the homes of two other pensioners in Rostrevor and Warrenpoint were also targeted in a similar way. These are cowardly actions from people who have no respect or empathy for the local community and I utterly condemn what occurred last night and would urge people to be vigilant."

Detectives believe that the two cases may be connected and have asked for anyone who may have any information on either incident to contact them on 0845 600 8000, or on the Crimestoppers number on 0800 555 111.

(EF/SP)