Burglars told a couple in their 70s and 60s they would burn them with acid during a break-in in Co Down.
The aggravated burglary happened in the Ballyree Drive area and was reported to police shortly before 12.50am on Sunday.
Two men forced their way into the property before locking the doors and threatening the occupants - a man in his 70s and a woman in her 60s.
The suspects demanded money and rummaged through the house, threatening to burn the couple with acid if they did not comply.
The male householder was punched in the face before the men fled with cash and cigarettes.
One of the intruders was described as being around 6 feet, of a slim build, and around 18 years old with light coloured curly hair. He was wearing a face covering, a blue puffer hooded coat, and dark coloured trousers.
The second was described as also being aged around 18, of a slim build, with a shaven head, and was wearing a dark blue puffer jacket, a face covering, and socks on his hands.
A PSNI spokesperson said: ”The householders have understandably been left very shaken by this incident, and an investigation is now underway. I am appealing to anyone who might have any information which might assist to get in touch. The number to call is 101, quoting reference number 74 of 31/03/24.”
Meanwhile, intruders have held a knife to a woman’s throat during a burglary in Craigavon.
Three masked men in dark clothing, with one thought to be in his early 20s, forced their way into a property in the Parkmore area shortly before 6.30am.
A knife was held to the throat of the female occupant while the house was ransacked. The intruders made off with a mobile phone, keys and tobacco.
“Detectives are appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time and witnessed what happened, or who might have any information which could assist, to get in touch. The number to call is 101, quoting reference number 315 of 30/03/24,” a a PSNI spokesperson said.
