Pensioners attacked in robberies

A man in his 80s was threatened in his home in Newry

Two robberies in south Down may be linked, police have said.

At about 1930 GMT on Monday three men armed with sticks broke into a house in the Meadowlands area of Warrenpoint.

A 71-year-old man, who was with his son, was kicked on the leg and forced to the ground. Rooms were then ransacked and cash stolen.

Half an hour later three men armed with a brick and an axe broke into a house at Sandy Road, Newry, threatened a man in his 80s and stole cash.

One of the men stayed with the pensioner while the others ransacked the house.

The phone was pulled out of the wall in the Warrenpoint incident.

None of the victims were seriously injured but are suffering from shock, police have said.

Detectives have appealed for information about both incidents.

Condemned

SDLP assembly member for Newry and Armagh Dominic Bradley said the robberies are happening across the area.

"It appears as if there's a travelling gang of criminals who are involved in these robberies.

"I welcome the fact that the police have set up a team of detectives in order to find interlinkages between the crimes and to bring those responsible to justice."

Sinn Fein assembly member Catriona Ruane described the incidents as "despicable".

"These are cowardly actions from people who have no respect or empathy for the local community.

"I utterly condemn what occurred last night and would urge people to be vigilant," she said.

Ulster Unionist assembly member Danny Kennedy also condemned the robberies.

"As police are investigating the possibility that these two crimes are linked it may suggest that an organised gang is operating in the area.

"Therefore I would urge vigilance from the local community, and appeal for anyone with information to immediately contact police," he said.