POLICE investigating the report of a burglary in Madrid Street last night Sunday,  December 16, in east Belfast are appealing for witnesses and information. 

Sergeant Grant said: “We received a report shortly after 8 pm that a masked man had entered a house and used force to take a handbag from the female occupant of the house.

We believe this occurred around 7:45 pm.

“While the woman, aged in her seventies, was not physically injured, she was left badly shaken by the incident.

“The suspect is described as being tall, of thin build and was wearing  a dark-coloured jacket and what was described as a ‘scary’ mask.

“I want to appeal to anyone who was in the Madrid Street area last night, between 7:45 pm and 8:05 pm and saw any suspicious activity, or who knows anything about this to get in touch with us on the non emergency number 101, quoting reference number 1195 of 16/12/18.”

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.