Home invasion Couple in their 80s 'distressed' after gang of five masked men break into home

"Please make security part of your daily routine. Close and lock all doors and windows, even if you are only popping out for a few minutes."

PACEMAKER BELFAST 14/01/2021 Detectives are appealing for information following the report of a burglary at the home of older people in the Grand Parade area of east Belfast on Wednesday evening

Jamie McDowell

January 15 2021 01:52 PM

The PSNI are investigating after two elderly people were terrorised by a masked gang in their home on Wednesday night.

The frightening incident happened in the Grand Parade area of east Belfast at around 7.00pm.

Five masked men forced their way into the home of the elderly occupants, who are in their 80s, and told them to remain in their living room.

The men then searched the house before leaving.

While it is understood nothing was taken during the incident, the police said it was very distressing for the victims.

A PSNI spokesperson said: “Enquiries are continuing and we are appealing to anyone who witnessed anything suspicious in the area to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 1494 of 13/01/21.”

PACEMAKER BELFAST 14/01/2021 Grand Parade east Belfast. Detectives are appealing for information following the report of a burglary at the home of older people in the Grand Parade area of east Belfast

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Meanwhile, elsewhere in Belfast, there were two attempted burglaries in the Donegal Pass on Wednesday night.

Just before 6:45pm the police received a report that a hooded man with dark gloves was spotted acting suspiciously outside a house in the area.

He appeared to be trying the door handle of the property before making off after he was spotted.

Another report was made at around 8:10pm of a similar incident.

The police reiterated the importance of home security and asked the public to keep an eye out for neighbours.

A spokesperson said: “Please make security part of your daily routine. Close and lock all doors and windows, even if you are only popping out for a few minutes. Leave a light on if it will be dark before you get home. And consider security lights. To a burglar, a dark house is an empty house.

"Please also keep a look out for any elderly or vulnerable neighbours. If you see or hear anything that seems suspicious call 101 and in the event of an emergency call 999.”