06/05/2003

Elderly attacked in separate Belfast robberies

An elderly couple are being treated in hospital after a gang of masked men broke into their east Belfast home and demanded money.

The incident occurred at around 11.30 pm last night when four men broke into the Ardenlee Avenue house and hit the 86-year-old pensioner on the head as he tried to call the police. He was later treated in hospital, receiving stitches to a head wound.

A second man forced the 79-year-old woman to her knees and demanded money.

The men eventually left the house empty handed.

Elsewhere, an elderly woman was savagely attacked during a robbery in south Belfast.

The elderly woman and her 65-year-old daughter were preparing to go to bed at the Tate's Avenue home when a man forced his way into their home by kicking in a glass panel in the back door.

The robber then grabbed the 83-year-old woman by the neck before threatening both women to hand over their handbags.

The man then made off through the kitchen door into the back alley.

Both handbags were later recovered on the Lisburn road, however, a sum of cash was missing.

The robber is described as being in his 30s and is of medium build. He wore a navy coloured woolly jumper.

Police at Musgrave Street are appealing for anyone with information to contact them on 028 9065 0222 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

(MB)

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