Masked men armed with hammers ransack home in north Belfast

By David Hunter

A man's suffered minor injuries after masked men armed with hammers ransacked his home in north Belfast. 

Police say the gang disconnected the electricity supply at Mill Valley north around half 10 last night before forcing their way inside. 

The three men made off with cash and keys to a Blue Honda Civic, which was found burned out at Ardoyne Place a short time later. 

Detective Sergeant Sam McCallum said: “Police received a report that at around 10.40pm on Thursday evening, three masked men armed with hammers had disconnected the electricity supply to a house before forcing their way inside, where they threatened and pushed the male occupant to the floor. A search was then conducted of the house by the men, who took a sum of money and keys to the occupant’s blue Honda Civic car. The men left the scene in the car which was located on fire a short time later at Ardoyne Place. The occupant sustained minor injuries as a result of the incident but was left badly shaken.”

“I would ask anyone who noticed any suspicious activity in the Mill Valley North area in the time leading up to the burglary, or who saw the blue Honda Civic being driven between Mill Valley North and Ardoyne Place, to contact detectives at Musrgave on 101 quoting reference number 1368 13/09/18. 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.”