A man in his 70s has been left "very shaken" after a group of masked men claiming to be paramilitaries entered and searched a residential property in east Belfast.
The incident happened in the Ardpatrick Gardens area of the city on Friday night.
Two men were in the property when the burglary took place, police say.
Read more: Man beaten with hammer as he lay in bed in east Belfast assault: two arrested
The masked men made off empty handed.
A spokesperson for the PSNI said: "Detectives are appealing for information following a report of a burglary at a residential property in the Ardpatrick Gardens area of east Belfast yesterday, Friday 5th May ."
Detective Sergeant McCartan said: “It was reported that around 10.30pm up to four masked men, dressed in black clothing, entered the property and searched it, before making off empty handed. The men claimed that they were paramilitaries.
“Two men, one of whom is aged in his seventies, were inside the property at the time of the incident. Neither were physically injured but they were understandably left very shaken as a result.
"Our enquiries are ongoing, and we would appeal to anyone with any information, or who may have been in the area at the time and witnessed any suspicious activity, to contact us on 101, quoting reference number 2134 of 05/05/23.
"A report can also be made online using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/. You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/"
Detective Sergeant McCartan continued: "Burglars will often enter residential properties when residents are at home and search the property under the pretence of 'looking for someone' or 'looking for drugs', when in actual fact, these criminals are only searching for cash and other valuables to steal.
"We want to take this opportunity to encourage the public to report any suspicious activity because it could prove vital to our investigations. We would also urge residents to check on their neighbours.
"You can take a number of practical steps to secure your home and family. Never leave doors unlocked and do not to leave keys in an unsafe place (such as under doormats or flower pots), check who is at your door before opening and remember not to leave cash or valuable items on display.
"If you need any further advice or information, please contact us on 101 where you can speak to your local crime prevention officer."
READ NEXT:
- Antrim fire: Man dies after fire at home
- Three arrested after trains spray painted in South Belfast
- Belmont Road Belfast: Man armed with knife threatens staff before robbing shop
- Assault weapon discovery 'highly significant', says organised crime detective
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.
