Menu
07/02/2003
South Belfast pensioner dies after robbery
An elderly pensioner has died after she was robbed at her home in south Belfast last night.
At around 7.40pm, four youths forced their way into the 82-year-old woman's Drumart Green home in the Belvoir estate. The gang then ransacked the house before they left a short time later.
The woman contacted family members but fell ill and died a short time later. The woman has been named as Mary Thompson.
In a follow up operation, Police searched five houses –four in Castelreagh and one in Carryduff. Two 16-year-olds, a 14-year-old and a 15-year-old, who were voluntarily helping police with their inquiries, were later released without charge.
South Belfast UUP Assembly member Michael McGimpsey described the attack as an "act of evil".
The former culture minister said: “This monstrous action cost the heaviest price that can be paid – the loss of a human life. It is an action that fills every right-thinking person with disgust.
“That anybody would break into an elderly person’s home and put her in such fear and distress that she would die is appalling.
“It is our duty to look after the vulnerable in our society: children, those suffering disability, the sick and, of course, the elderly.
“The elderly do not feel safe in their homes at the moment and whoever did this caused the death of this gentle woman."
Police have appealed for anyone with information to come forward.
(GMcG)
At around 7.40pm, four youths forced their way into the 82-year-old woman's Drumart Green home in the Belvoir estate. The gang then ransacked the house before they left a short time later.
The woman contacted family members but fell ill and died a short time later. The woman has been named as Mary Thompson.
In a follow up operation, Police searched five houses –four in Castelreagh and one in Carryduff. Two 16-year-olds, a 14-year-old and a 15-year-old, who were voluntarily helping police with their inquiries, were later released without charge.
South Belfast UUP Assembly member Michael McGimpsey described the attack as an "act of evil".
The former culture minister said: “This monstrous action cost the heaviest price that can be paid – the loss of a human life. It is an action that fills every right-thinking person with disgust.
“That anybody would break into an elderly person’s home and put her in such fear and distress that she would die is appalling.
“It is our duty to look after the vulnerable in our society: children, those suffering disability, the sick and, of course, the elderly.
“The elderly do not feel safe in their homes at the moment and whoever did this caused the death of this gentle woman."
Police have appealed for anyone with information to come forward.
(GMcG)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
14 February 2024
Former City Centre Police Station To Become New 74-Bedroom Hotel
A former police station in Belfast city centre is to be redeveloped for a new 74-bedroom hotel. Belfast City Council's Planning Committee approved the development on Queen Street, along with granting Listed Building Consent to bring the building into use again.
Former City Centre Police Station To Become New 74-Bedroom Hotel
A former police station in Belfast city centre is to be redeveloped for a new 74-bedroom hotel. Belfast City Council's Planning Committee approved the development on Queen Street, along with granting Listed Building Consent to bring the building into use again.
05 February 2024
Man Arrested After Using Van To Attack Police Officers
The PSNI has condemned an incident in which a man used a van to repeatedly ram a police patrol car and attempted to run over an officer in Newry on Saturday, 03 February. Shortly after 11:20pm, officers on patrol approached a man standing beside a white Peugeot van in the Castlekeele Estate area.
Man Arrested After Using Van To Attack Police Officers
The PSNI has condemned an incident in which a man used a van to repeatedly ram a police patrol car and attempted to run over an officer in Newry on Saturday, 03 February. Shortly after 11:20pm, officers on patrol approached a man standing beside a white Peugeot van in the Castlekeele Estate area.
02 February 2024
Police Investigate Newry Robbery
The PSNI have issued an appeal for information following the report of a robbery in the Dominic Street area in Newry yesterday, 1 February. Police received reports that before 10.
Police Investigate Newry Robbery
The PSNI have issued an appeal for information following the report of a robbery in the Dominic Street area in Newry yesterday, 1 February. Police received reports that before 10.
29 April 2024
Other News In Brief
Views Sought On Portadown Flood Alleviation Scheme Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd has annouced a public consultation of a proposed Flood Alleviation Scheme in Portadown, urging local communities to 'have their say' on the scheme. An Environmental Statement for the scheme has already been produced and was consulted on in Spring 2023.
Other News In Brief
Views Sought On Portadown Flood Alleviation Scheme Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd has annouced a public consultation of a proposed Flood Alleviation Scheme in Portadown, urging local communities to 'have their say' on the scheme. An Environmental Statement for the scheme has already been produced and was consulted on in Spring 2023.
05 February 2024
PSNI Highlights Available Support For Sex Abuse Survivors
Welcoming the launch of Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week, which begins today, (Monday 5 February) the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has highlighted the support that is available to survivors, particularly of non-recent abuse.
PSNI Highlights Available Support For Sex Abuse Survivors
Welcoming the launch of Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week, which begins today, (Monday 5 February) the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has highlighted the support that is available to survivors, particularly of non-recent abuse.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A dry day with any low cloud and mist clearing during the morning leaving long spells of warm sunshine. Breezy at times around the coast. Maximum temperature 20 °C.Tonight:A fine end to the day with some sunshine, then clear spells overnight. Low cloud could form around some Irish Sea coasts later in the night. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
