Burglaries involving masked men armed with hammers and knives believed to be linked in Co.Down

By Q Radio News

Police are investigating a spate of attempted burglaries and aggravated burglaries across Co. Down which are believed to be linked. 

During the first incident, a masked man was caught looking through the window of a house in Ballyhalbert but fled the scene. 

It was reported at around 2.40am in the Harbour Road area, a short time after another burglary was reported at a house close by. 

At around 3am, a man was assaulted at a house in the Westlea Drive area of Portavogie. 

It happened after two masked armed with hammers and a knife forced entry to a property and ransacked it before leaving with cash.

Two hours later, at around 5.20am, two masked men believed to be armed with the same weapons forced entry to a house on Lemons Road, Portavogie. 

A man inside the house was alerted by noises downstairs and when he went to investigate, the suspects confronted him before chasing the man and attempting to assault him. 

When the alarm was raised, the pair made off but not before causing damage to a door.

Detective Sergeat Westbury said, "The suspects in both aggravated burglaries are described as one being smaller than the other; approximately 5'8'' tall, and thought to be aged in his late 20s or early 30s.

"The second suspect is described as being of a larger build, approximately 6' tall  and is also believed to be his in late 20s to early 30s. Both are reported as having spoken with Northern Ireland accents. 

"We believe these incidents may be linked and we would appeal to anyone who may have been in any of these areas and saw any suspicious activity, or who knows anything about these incidents to call us. 

"These have been very distressing ordeals for the victims, who should rightly feel safe in their own homes, and who have been left badly shaken by what has happened."