Four masked men force entry into NI home before making getaway

A police spokesperson said: “Detectives investigating the report of an aggravated burglary in Newtownabbey last night, Monday 24 September, are appealing for witnesses.”

PSNI Detective Constable Woods said: “We received a report around 9:25pm that four masked men, one armed with what is believed to have been a crowbar, forced entry to a house in the Abbeyville Park area.

“Once inside, they searched the property. Damage was caused to a computer.

“The men fled from the house a short time later in what was described as a small, possibly white-coloured car.”

Detective Constable Woods added: “While the male occupant was not injured, he was left shaken by his ordeal.”

The officer gave a description of the men involved, saying: “Two of the suspects are described as having worn dark clothing, and were approximately 5’8-5’10’’ tall. A third suspect was described as being 5’8’’ to 5’10’’, wore gold rimmed glasses, and black clothing with the lower part of his face covered. He is also said to have worn yellow or green coloured gardening gloves. The fourth suspect is described as being 6’ 2’’, of a large but lean build, rimless glasses and wore blacking clothing and had the lower part of face covered. He also wore latex-type gloves.”

The detective constable continued: “Our enquiries are an early stage and I want to make a number of appeals today.

“Were you in the Abbeyville Park area last night around this time? Did you see four men in the area acting suspiciously? Did you notice any vehicles, possibly white coloured, being driven suspiciously? If you have information which could assist our investigation please ring detectives in Antrim on the non emergency number 101, quoting reference number 1371 of 24/09/18.

“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.”