Pair Attacked During Aggravated Burglary In West Belfast

Police have launched an investigation after an aggravated burglary in west Belfast last night, Monday 01 April.

Reports emerged shortly after 10.15pm that three masked men had forced entry into a house in the Britton's Parade area of Ballymurphy, while two adults and a young child were at home.

One of the culprits is alleged to have grabbed the female occupant by her neck and forced her upstairs where he carried out a search. The two other suspects are believed to have attacked the male resident with a knife, causing injuries to his hands, face and head.

The intruders then made off on foot. Both victims were taken to hospital, with the man in need of medical attention for his injuries and the woman needing treatment for shock.

Detective Sergeant Dave Stewart said: "This was a brutal and vicious attack which must have been a frightening experience for the occupants of this house, who have understandably been left shaken by their ordeal. 

"I want to appeal to anyone who was in the Britton's Parade area last night and saw three males acting suspiciously, in the time before the incident was reported to us or in the period afterwards. 

"If you have information you believe may assist our investigation, call detectives at Musgrave on the non emergency number 101, quoting reference number 1395 of 01/04/19." 

Details can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.



(JG/CM)