Detectives are appealing for information following an aggravated burglary in the Forthill Park area of Newtownabbey on Sunday evening, 10th December.

Detective Sergeant Lyttle said: “It was reported to police that at around 9.45pm a number of masked men had forced their way into the property armed with hammers and bats. They began smashing windows and causing damage in the property before assaulting a male occupant.

“Upon leaving the house, the men smashed a window of a vehicle parked outside and set it on fire using a petrol bomb and left the scene.

“Our colleagues from the NIFRS attended and extinguished the fire, the car was completely destroyed.

“Enquiries are continuing and we would appeal to anyone who witnessed anything suspicious in the area at the time of the incident, to contact them on 101 quoting reference number 1786 of 10/12/23.”

You can also submit a report online using our non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/

Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.