Four arrested after ‘terrifying’ burglary in Co Derry

A man sustained minor injuries after confronting the suspects

epa07261133 (FILE) - Northern Ireland's PSNI crest outside Antrim police station in Antrim, Northern Ireland, 02 May 2014 (reissued 04 January 2019). British media reports on 04 January 2019 state Police Service of Northern Ireland, PSNI has asked up to 1,000 officers to be deployed in Northern Ireland as a reinforcement in case of a no-deal Brexit. Authorities fear violence could occur if a hard border will be established between EU member Ireland and Northern Ireland.  EPA/PAUL MCERLANE
A police spokesperson said officers received a report of the incident shortly before 8.30pm. Photograph: Paul McErlane/EPA

Four people have been arrested following a “terrifying” burglary on Northern Ireland’s north coast.

A man and a woman were inside a house in the Swilly Close area of Portstewart, Co Derry, on Saturday when a quartet of two men and two women armed with weapons, attempted to break in.

A police spokesperson said officers received a report of the incident shortly before 8.30pm.

“A man and woman were both inside the property during the attack. The man sustained minor injuries after confronting the suspects and received medical treatment at the scene,” they said.

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“Thankfully, the woman was uninjured but was left shaken by what happened.

“On officers’ arrival, the suspects had left in a car and extensive damage was caused to windows at both the front and back of the property.”

A 28-year-old woman, 34-year-old man, 31-year-old man and 61-year-old woman were all arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary after a car was stopped on the Portmore Road. They were questioned by police.

The police spokesperson added: “This was a terrifying experience for the occupants of the property and our investigation is now under way to establish what happened, who was involved and a motive.

“We are appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time, and saw anything suspicious, to call police on 101, quoting reference number 1752 of 08/07/23.” – PA