An eight-year-old girl has been treated for shock after she was held down during a burglary and assault in Banbridge, Co Down, that left a woman and teenager with a range of injuries.
Detectives in Lurgan are appealing for information following the aggravated burglary and serious assault at a house in the Bramblewood area of Banbridge on Friday evening.
Det Insp Stephen Harvey said: "Shortly before 10:55pm police received reports that three males wearing dark hooded tops forced entry to the property and attacked three females inside."
A 48-year-old woman and a 17-year-old girl were later treated in hospital for suspected fractures and other injuries which are not believed to be life-threatening.
Police said the eight-year-old was subsequently treated for shock.
DI Harvey added: “This was a vicious act and I would ask for the public to assist us in bringing the perpetrators to justice.”
UUP MLA Doug Beattie MC will be meeting with the PSNI to discuss what can be done to address what he described as “the escalation of such attacks on people’s homes in the Banbridge area over the last few months in particular”.
“If this is a matter of resource, it must be tackled at the source,” he added.
“A young child of only eight years of age has been left traumatised by this when she should be safe in her own home.
Anyone with information can contact police on 101 quoting reference 1505 of 01/09/17, or if they wish to remain anonymous Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.