Detectives are appealing for information and witnesses following reports of two burglaries in the east Belfast and Bangor areas.

Detective Sergeant Bell said: “Police received a report at approximately 6.35pm on Thursday evening, 7th December that a man was approached by four other men outside a property in the Brook Lane area of Bangor.

“The men who were wearing face coverings, jeans and jackets, ran towards the man and escorted him inside the house through the front door.

“Three of the men went upstairs and ransacked the property – whilst the fourth man held a screwdriver to the victim’s throat.

“The suspects took the man’s mobile phone and some items of jewellery before fleeing the property on foot in the direction of the Rathgael Road.  Thankfully he was unharmed – but left shaken by what happened.

“Whilst carrying out enquiries – officers received a report of a second burglary shortly after 8.30pm in the Grovefield Street area of east Belfast.

“It was reported a large sum of money had been stolen from an unoccupied house in the area around 4.45pm. The property was also ransacked.

“We believe two men gained access to the house via a rear wall, one of whom was wearing brightly coloured gloves. Slight damage was also caused to a fence.

“At this stage we are linking both of these reports and our investigation is underway.

“We would appeal to anyone who was in these areas on Thursday evening and noticed anything suspicious, or out of the ordinary, to make contact with police quoting references 1796 and 1593 07/12/23

“We would also be especially keen to hear from anyone who may have dash-cam, CCTV or mobile footage of the areas during these times that we could review.”

Alternatively, you can submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/

You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/