Family held hostage in Londonderry robbery

An 87-year-old woman, her son and her daughter have been held hostage by an armed gang in their Londonderry home.

It is understood the gang forced their way into the house at Bantry Road in the Foyle Springs area in the city late on Monday.

The family were held at gunpoint overnight, until 9am this morning. The daughter was then ordered to remove cash from the post office where she works in Ballymagroarty.

She was then forced to drive over the border to Donegal where the cash was handed to another gang member.

When she returned home, she released her mother and brother and contacted police.

While both women were uninjured, they have been treated for shock.

Meanwhile, a man in his 80s has been attacked during a robbery in Newry. The man, who lives on the Tandragee Road, answered the door to two youths at around 5pm yesterday.

He was pushed to the ground, and punched and kicked before they made off with a sum of cash.

He is currently being treated in hospital for injuries which include a broken hip.

Police have asked for anyone who was in the area or have information to contact them with details on: 0845 600 8000 or contact the confidential Crimestoppers line on: 0800 555 111.

(JM/SP)