Pensioner burglary victim praised

Mr Dunne, pictured at a family wedding, suffered a heart attack after his ordeal

Police have praised the bravery of a 97-year-old man who confronted a gang of robbers who broke into his home in west Belfast.

The four men forced their way into John Dunne's house in Andersonstown Park South at 1330 BST on Saturday. He had a heart attack after his ordeal.

Detective Chief Inspector John McVea said that he would not encourage people to take on intruders.

"He has been very brave and his family are proud of his actions," he said.

Mr Dunne was cut on the arm as he struggled with the intruders and was taken to hospital for a check-up following the burglary.

However, his condition deteriorated and he suffered a heart attack at his home during the night. He is now said to be stable.

Before driving off, the gang threatened Mr Dunne's son, Maghnus, who had called to take his father to church.

Mr Dunne's son said the gang had threatened to kill his father

"He just took a heart attack last night and I'll have to go down and see him now - they didn't want anybody down earlier on," he said at the weekend.

"He's 97 and taking that sort of abuse."

"They ran over to the car and one of them said, give it me, give it me. I'll kill him."

However, the men then got into the car and drove off.

Police are investigating a possible link with an incident in nearby Gransha Drive.

A man came to an elderly woman's door and asked to get in to check the water supply. However, she refused to let him in.

Police have appealed for information. They want to hear from anyone who saw a grey or silver vehicle in the area.