Man arrested after threats made to pour boiling water over woman's face

by Gráinne Connolly

Detectives investigating a number of burglaries in north Belfast, including one where a woman was allegedly threatened with a kettle of boiling water, have arrested a man in his thirties.

The 36-year-old was detained in the Shore Road area earlier today on suspicion of robbery, aggravated burglary and possession of an offensive weapon with intent to commit and indictable offence. 

The arrest is in relation to two ongoing investigations into a robbery and an aggravated burglary. 

Detective Inspector Kerry Brennan said, "Both of these events were traumatic for the victims and I would like to reiterate my appeal for information from the public."

During the aggravated burglary, three masked men forced their way into a property in the Downview Gardens area on Friday 20th September. 

A woman, who was at home with her two young children at the time, was pushed to the floor before being threatened with violence. 

Police say a kettle was also boiled and the attackers made threats to pour this over her, before the victim handed over a sum of money. 

Detective Brennan continued, "This extremely frightening incident took place in front of the woman’s two young children and left her afraid for both her own life and the safety of her children.

"I have no doubt that her two little ones will now be having nightmares about these dangerous masked men." 

(Downview Gardens, north Belfast - Google Maps)

Meanwhile, the robbery of a chinese wholesale supermarket took place in the Duncrue Street area on Friday 9th August. 

Three men armed with a hatchet and bolt cutter entered the shop, while another man waited outside. 

A female member of staff was grabbed by the throat and ordered to open the safe and till and the men then made off with a substantial sum of cash. 

(Duncrue Street, north Belfast - Google Maps)

Detective Brennan described both ordeals as "deeply distressing" for the women involved. 

"Both of our investigations remain ongoing and I continue to appeal to anyone with information, or who may have noticed any suspicious activity in either of the areas, to get in touch. 

"Contact us on 101 or alternatively, information can be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.”