Pensioner refuses to hand over car keys to intruders armed with hammer

By Q Radio News

A woman in her 70s forced two intruders who were armed with a hammer to flee her Newry home empty handed. 

The men entered the property on Turmore Road at around 5.40am this morning and demanded the pensioner's car keys. 

But she refused and the pair made off with nothing.

Police believe the break-in could be linked to an attempted burglary in the Sheeptown Road area of Newry shortly before 3:05am this morning and a theft from a vehicle on the Turmore Road area overnight. 

Two men aged 30 and 27 have been arrested. 

Detectives are appealing for information following a report of a burglary at residential premises in the Turmore Road area of Newry this morning.

Detective Sergeant Joanne Jackson said: "At around 5:40am, it was reported that two men had gained entry into a house in the area.

"They demanded keys to a car parked outside the property from the female occupant.

"The woman, aged in her 70's refused to give the keys and the males left the scene, with one of the men armed with a hammer.

"Enquiries are continuing and police are investigating a possible link between this incident and an attempted burglary at the Sheeptown Road area of Newry shortly before 3:05am this morning and a theft from a vehicle also at the Turmore Road area sometime through the night.

"A short time later, two men aged 30 and 27 years old were arrested on suspicious of attempted burglary and aggravated burglary.

"Both men are currently assisting police with their enquiries.

"We would continuing to appeal to anyone who witnessed anything suspicious in either the Turmore Road or Sheeptown Road area of Newry this morning, to contact detectives on 101 quoting reference number 418 1/3/20.

"Alternatively, information can also 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."