Brutal raiders beat elderly couple with a metal pole
Gang snatch cash during break-in terror
THIEVES disconnected an elderly couple’s phone before beating them with a metal pole during a chilling break-in at their home.
The husband and wife, said to be in their late 70s, were taken to hospital following the attack.
Their horrific ordeal began at about 6.30pm on Monday night as the wife was making a cup of tea in the kitchen of their home in Ulster Avenue, Deeplish, while the husband was upstairs.
Moments after the couple heard a ‘loud bang’, three men forced their way into the house.
One of the gang ran upstairs and ransacked the front bedroom shouting ‘Where’s the money?’ as the other two men unplugged the landline and forced the couple to sit down in the living room before attacking them with a broom and metal pole.
The men then tried to shut the couple in the living room but courageously they pushed back, preventing it from shutting.
Police say the thieves fled with a black handbag containing a ‘large amount of cash’, climbing over a wall as they made their escape.
The husband then ran to the front door and shouted for help.
Both he and his wife were taken to hospital where they were treated for minor injuries.
The men are all described as white, in their 20s and were wearing black clothing.
Det Sgt Tim O’Callaghan said: “I can only imagine how absolutely terrifying this must have been when the three men invaded this couple’s home, ransacking it for a quick win with no regard for their safety.
“We’re yet to find out who they are and arrest them but we’re doing everything we can and I’d like to take this opportunity to appeal for any information people may have.
“Although it was dark, it wasn’t late at night and there still would have been people in the area – it was just after the six o’clock news, people may have been coming back from work, eating their tea or walking around.
“Whatever you were doing, if you heard something or saw something, please get in touch.”
Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 8441 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.