Three injured during masked and armed burglary in Ballymena

By Connor Stringer

A man and two women have been injured after being assaulted by a group of masked men, armed with a hammer and metal bar - at a house in Ballymena. 

Five people were inside the property in the Lantara area when three suspects forced entry at around 12:30 this morning. 

The man, who is in his thirties was taken to hospital after sustaining head and arm injuries during the incident.

Meanwhile, when leaving the assailants smashed a number of windows at the property.

Two men aged 35 and 45 have been arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary with intent - and both remain in custody.

Police in Ballymena appeal for information following an aggravated burglary during the early hours of this morning. https://t.co/SygySVIhsl

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) April 14, 2020

Detective Sergeant Lenaghan said: "We received a report at around 00:30am that three masked men, armed with a hammer and a metal bar, arrived at an address in Lanntara just minutes earlier. They made their way inside the property where there were five people - three men and two women. 

"Once inside, they assaulted one of the men, aged in his thirties. He sustained injuries to his head and arm and was taken to hospital by the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service. 

"Two of the women, aged in their thirties, also received minor injuries during the incident. 

"When leaving, the assailants smashed windows at the property. 

 "Two men have since been arrested, aged 35 and 45, on suspicion of aggravated burglary with intent to commit grievous bodily harm, and they both remain in custody this nothing. 

"This was a savage attack for which there is no justification and we are working to establish a motive. We believe it also linked to a report at 00:20am where windows of a property in the same area were also smashed. No injuries were reported.

“I want to appeal to anyone with information which could help our investigation to call us on 101 and quote reference number 59 of 14/04/20. Alternatively call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111".