Armed gang threaten family with knives and hammer at Moira home

Mr Dillon described the incident where a gang of four, who were armed with knives and a hammer, struck one of the occupants as a ‘dastardly deed’.

He queried if it was a case of mistaken identity, as such an act was unique in the village and the family had only moved into the area just over a year ago.

“What I do know is this sort of attack on a family should not have happened and I condemn it unreservedly,” he said.

“This is rural area and to be held and treated in this way is just terrible. I have spoken to neighbours who are both shocked and disgusted at what has happened.”

The incident occurred at approximately 8pm. The gang of masked men threatened the occupants and ransacked the house. Two of the men forced their way into the house while two other males remained outside during the incident.

The group then forced the occupants of the house, two adult males, an adult female and three children into a room before tying up the adults with cable ties.

The group threatened and assaulted one of the adult males before ransacking the house.

During the ordeal two other members of the family returned to the house and were also tied up and forced into the same room.

The assaulted man suffered bruising to his back after being struck with a hammer.

None of the other occupants were injured but were all left shocked by their ordeal.

The group made off with a sum of cash and also stole a blue coloured Volkswaggen Golf, registration number GL59 PYV belonging to one of the members of the family.

All six men are described as being dressed in dark coloured jackets, tracksuits and trainers.

They all wore woollen gloves with balaclavas covering their faces. The four are described as being approximately 5’8”- 5’11” tall and of slim build, one was much shorter and the last one was over 6’ tall of heavy build with grey hair.

Lisburn PSNI can be contacted on 0845-6008000 or ring Crimestoppers on 0800-555111.