Pensioner describes robbery ordeal

Olive Hawthorne was robbed by two men in her home

A 78-year-old woman assaulted and robbed in her east Belfast home has warned other elderly people to be alert for tricksters.

Two men forced their way into Olive Hawthorne's home in Grand Parade at about 2000 BST on Monday.

Ms Hawthorne, who is disabled, suffered severe bruising to her arms during the attack.

When she opened her front door one of the men said: "My ball is in your garden and I'm going to get it."

'I screamed for help'

She said she would get it, but he pushed her into the house and held her in a chair in the living room.

Ms Hawthorne said: "He got my handbag and went through it for quite a time. I went to scream again, but he put his hands over my mouth.

"I had £400 in my wallet for repairs I wanted to get done to the house and they took my bank book."

Ms Hawthorne said the men locked her in her kitchen before making their escape.

Warning

"I opened the window and screamed as loud as I could for help and a neighbour heard me.

"He knew another neighbour who had my key and was able to get me out."

In a warning to other elderly people, Ms Hawthorne appealed: "I would never like this to happen to anyone.

"I should have done what I did. I have learnt my lesson.

"Please elderly people or anyone else, don't open you door to anyone you don't know."

Lines of inquiry

Police believe the attackers were local and are appealing for information.

The Lord Mayor of Belfast, Jim Rodgers, said that those responsible "must be apprehended quickly".

He said: "I have no doubt that the culprits have probably been involved in similar incidents in the past and I would appeal to anyone who saw anyone acting suspiciously to contact police immediately."