Terror as gun thieves mount raid in Kells

Their victims were left uninjured but badly shaken by the aggravated burlary of the property in the Glenaan Park area of Kells early on Friday morning.

Sometime between 8am and 8:30am two men called at the house and pushed their way in.

They threatened the 39 year old female and 15 year old male occupants, then tied them up and locked them in a cupboard before stealing four firearms from a safe.

The young male victim was, however, able to free himself and raise the alarm.

Councillor for the area, Alderman Hubert Nicholl urged police to do all they could to bring the burglars to justice.

“Coming up to Christmas you expect to hear of burglaries where money is the target but not guns,” he said.

“The worry would be ‘what are these boys going to do with these guns?’ And I would call on the police to do everything they can to catch them.

“Theft aside, they also gave the two people in this house a terrible scare and it was lucky that the 15 year old was able to get free and raise the alarm,” said Mr Nicholl.

Anyone who noticed any unusual activity in the area or who has any information is asked to contact detectives at Ballymena on 0845 600 8000.

Information can also be passed anonymously to the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.