Armed gang linked to six overnight burglaries

A woman has been threatened by three masked men armed with crowbars during an aggravated burglary in Newry, County Down.

It was one of six incidents that happened between 19:00 BST and 22:30 BST on Friday.

Det Sgt Cargin said police believe they are connected and appealed for anyone with information to contact the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).

Three handbags were stolen during the first incident at Kennard Villas about 21:10 BST on Friday.

Investigation launched

While conducting enquiries in Kennard Villas, police observed damage to the door of another house.

The house was empty and police are investigating if anything was taken.

Up to six masked men entered a house via a front window using a sledgehammer in Carnagat Park shortly after 19:20 BST.

They were chased by the occupant and left in a dark-coloured Volkswagen Golf.

Cash and jewellery were reported missing after another property was targeted.

Police believe the house in Beechmount Park was entered sometime between 20:00 BST and 21:10.

The PSNI said a short time later, three masked men with screwdrivers pushed past an occupant of a house in Patrick Street before making off with cash and a phone

Det Sgt Cargin said police received a sixth report of a burglary at a house in Carnagat Park sometime 19:30 BST and 22:15 BST.

"We have launched an investigation and at this time, we are treating these six reports as linked," he added.

Police are appealing for information.