POLICE are investigating two burglaries at residential properties in the Ravenhill Road and Ardenlee Avenue areas of east Belfast.

And they are also probing reports of a van and three cars being broken into in the early hours of this morning.

Detective Sergeant Stephen Gardiner said, “In the most serious incident, at 7.03am this morning, we received a call from a householder who had disturbed a male in their property in the Ardenlee Avenue area.

“After a brief altercation, the male fled the scene. Police who were in the area responding to an earlier report of a burglary at a nearby vacant residential property, carried out a comprehensive search of the surrounding area, but did not locate the male.

“He is described as being aged in his mid-thirties, approximately  5′ 8” in height of stocky build with a gingery brown, crew cut hair style and a short beard.

“He was wearing a green zipped parka style jacket, grey tracksuit bottoms and black gloves.

“We are also investigating reports of criminal damage of four vehicles in the area, three cars and one van had windows broken and were entered with items stolen from each.

“During follow-up searches and enquiries, a number of items have been recovered including a jacket, screwdriver and bicycle.

“A quantity of tools which we believe were taken from one of the properties have also been recovered.

“We believe that each of these incidents are linked. I would appeal to anyone who noticed any suspicious activity in the Ravenhill Road/Ardenlee  areas this morning, or who has any information which could assist us with our enquiries to contact police  on 101 quoting reference number 197 30/04/19.

“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.”