17/02/2020

Intruder Armed With Hatchet Disturbed In Co Down

A man armed with a hatchet left a woman terrified after burgling her house in Co Down over the weekend.

A property in the Mill Hill area of Castlewellan was targeted in the early hours of Saturday morning, 15 February.

Police said the woman awoke to loud noises at around 5.15am and was confronted in her living room by a masked man armed with a hatchet who had forced entry to the property.

Following a brief verbal exchange, the man fled the property with the woman's purse.

The windows and headlights of a Vauxhall Astra car that was parked outside the address were also smashed.

Detective Sergeant James Johnston said: "Thankfully, the woman was not physically injured, however, she has been left badly shaken by what must been a terrifying experience for her. This despicable act occurred in the woman's home, a place where she rightly deserves to feel safe.

"Enquiries are underway to establish exactly what occurred, and why. One line of enquiry is that the suspect may have targeted the wrong address."

Anyone who was in the area between 5am and 5.15am on Saturday and saw any suspicious activity is urged to contact detectives at Ardmore on 101, quoting reference 370 of 15/02/20.



(JG/CM)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

30 November 2015
Woman Found Unconscious On Co Down Road
A woman has been found unconscious on a road in County Down. The woman, aged in her 50s, was discovered on the Sheepland Road at around 4.30am on Sunday. She was taken to hospital where she is believed to be in a serious condition.
05 July 2002
Man arrested after woman dies in collision
A 61-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a fatal road accident in County Down. A woman, believed to be in her 50s, was hit by a vehicle on the Comber Road in Newtownards at about 9.45pm last night. The victim’s name has not yet been released.
13 December 2017
Masked Man Armed with Hatchet Robs Bingo Hall In Portadown
A masked man, armed with a hatchet, has threatened workers at a bingo hall in Portadown. The incident occurred at around 9pm on Tuesday, 12 December. The man threatened staff and made off with a sum of cash. No-one was injured. The man has been described as being around 6ft 3inches tall and of medium build.
03 November 2015
Man Armed With Hatchet Robs Shop In North Belfast
A man armed with a hatchet has robbed a shop in north Belfast. The incident occurred at premises just before 7.30pm on the Serpentine Road on Sunday. Staff members were threatened by the man and he made off with a sum of cash and cigarettes. The suspect is described as being of medium build with fair skin and was wearing a blue coat.
18 September 2015
Man Armed With Hatchet Arrested Following Altercation In West Belfast
A man, allegedly armed with a hatchet, has been arrested following an altercation in west Belfast. The incident happened in the Grosvenor Road area just after midnight. The 20-year-old man stole a necklace and a bracelet during a confrontation with two people, according to the police. A car window was also smashed in the incident.