Police appeal for information following armed robbery of elderly couple in Newtownabbey

DETECTIVES are hunting men armed with a sawn-off shotgun who tied up and robbed an elderly couple in their home.

The terrifying robbery took place on Tuesday night at the couple’s home in the Ballycraigy Road area of Newtownabbey, Co Antrim.

The attack has been condemned by PUP representative Phil Hamilton. He tweeted: “Yet again another elderly couple attacked in their home and robbed in Newtownabbey.

“These lowlife scum need caught.”

Four males, one armed with a sawn-off shotgun, entered the house of an elderly couple and tied them up at about 10.45pm.

They ransacked the property and made off with a substantial amount of jewellery, cash and ornaments.

The men were all dressed in black and wore balaclavas and gloves.

Two of the men left the scene at one point in the couple’s car, taking bank cards to withdraw funds from an ATM machine.

The couple, believed to be in their 70s, were not physically injured but have both been left traumatised by the incident.

It is believed the men left the house at around 11.45pm but it is not known what vehicle was used or in which direction they travelled.

Anyone who noticed suspicious activity in the Ballycraigy Road area last night should contact CID in Newtownabbey on 0845 600 8000 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.