DETECTIVES are appealing for witnesses following two burglaries in North Belfast last night on the homes of pensioners.

At around 7.05pm the elderly female occupant of a house in the Lawnview Street area answered a knock to her door.

When she opened the door an unknown male pushed passed her knocking her to the ground.

The male then made off empty handed when the female began shouting. He is described as being aged in his 20’s and clean shaven.

He was wearing a black woollen hat, dark clothing and gloves. The lady was not injured but left badly shaken by her ordeal.

Shortly before 7.30pm it was reported that an elderly male answered a knock to the door of his house in the Graymount Drive area of Newtownabbey.

When he opened the door an unknown male pushed passed him knocking him to the ground. A second male then entered the house and placed his hand over the elderly man’s mouth.

The first male made his way into the living room before making off with an empty cardboard box.

A third male remained outside the house during the incident. One of the males is described as being of medium build and having a local accent and swarthy skin. He was wearing dark clothing and a woollen hat.

The second male is described as being approximately 6’ tall and of medium build with short dark hair. The elderly man sustained a graze to his elbow as a result of the incident.

His elderly sister, who was also in the house at the time, was not injured.

It is believed the suspects may have arrived in the area in an old type silver Vauxhall Vectra car driven by another male. This car was seen making off in the direction of Grays Lane.

Detectives are investigating a link between these incidents and Detective Sergeant Keith Wilson is appealing for anyone with any information that can assist with the investigation to contact Detectives at Musgrave Police Station on the non-emergency number 101.

Information can also be passed anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.