Residents threatened in late-night burglaries

A HOUSEHOLDER was threatened with a knife during one of three burglaries in the Donegall Road area of Belfast that may be linked, the PSNI has said.

Around 4am on Friday a man in his 60s was woken in an upstairs bedroom at Tavanagh Street by a man brandishing a knife.

The intruder is described as being in his 20s or 30s, tall and wearing a grey top with a scarf over his face.

A second burglar was heard rummaging through the victim’s belongings downstairs. A number of items, including a phone and keys, were taken.

The victim was not injured but was shocked by the incident.

Around 4.45am that morning a man was asleep in his Rockview Street home when two men came into his bedroom shouting and looking for money.

One, who was wearing a black tracksuit with white paint smeared on one of the legs, was carrying a large knife with a 12in blade. The other was holding a 3ft metal bar and they threatened to stab the victim if he moved. They made off with cash and other items including phones and keys.

Although uninjured, the man was left very shaken by his ordeal.

Another burglary took place on the same street some time before 1pm on Friday, in which a number of items were stolen including a laptop, DVD player and stereo. No-one was in the house at the time.

Detective Sergeant Michael Maguire is appealing for anyone who saw suspicious activity in these areas in the last few days, or anyone who has information, to contact detectives at Musgrave on 101, quoting reference number 171 of 16/11/18.