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16th Dec 2019

Two people attacked during armed home invasion in Belfast

Dave Hanratty

Norway bow and arrow attacker health services

A witness appeal has been issued following the incident which saw the victims forced into cars before escaping.

Detectives in Northern Ireland are appealing for information following an incident that took place in north Belfast on Sunday (15 December).

According to PSNI Detective Inspector Michael McDonnell, police received a report just before 11.15pm on Sunday detailing a violent home invasion.

At approximately 9.30pm, four masked individuals believed to have been armed with a knife and a handgun forcefully entered a property in Lansdowne Road, attacking the two occupants within.

The attackers spent “some time” ransacking the property and assaulted a male occupant. The assailants then forced the male occupant into a white Ford transit van and the house’s female occupant into a red Mercedes SUV.

Following this, the victims were held in the respective cars and driven around for a period of time before both vehicles were left parked in the Ardoyne area.

“At this point, the male victim was able to free himself and raise the alarm,” notes Inspector McDonnell.

“The female occupant of the other vehicle was subsequently located and freed. She was understandably terrified, but physically unharmed.

“This was a despicable, vicious and prolonged attack which has left the victims very shaken. I am  appealing  to anyone within the Landsdowne Road area to think about any vehicles or persons they may have seen in the area in recent days and weeks who may have been acting suspiciously.

“In particular, I am appealing to anyone in the area with CCTV, or indeed anyone with a dash cam who was driving in the area from 9pm through to 11.30pm on Sunday to review their footage and  contact Detectives at Musgrave quoting reference number 2004 15/12/19.

“Any information which may seem irrelevant could potentially be of great significance as part of our overall investigation,” McDonnell added.

“Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.”

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