Eight armed and masked men caused "significant damage" to a house in Co Down in an early morning attack.
The gang, armed with crowbars and hammers, arrived at the house in the Cedar Drive area of Newtownards around 10.30am on Tuesday, March 21.
Police said they smashed the front door, a number of windows and caused significant damage to the interior. The resident, who was in the house at the time, was not injured but was left badly shaken.
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Detective Sergeant Westbury said: “We received a report that shortly after 10.30am, approximately 8 armed and masked men arrived at the house in the Cedar Drive area and smashed the front door using what is believed to have been crowbars and hammers.
“They also smashed a number of windows on the property and also the windows of a nearby shed before forcing entry into the house and causing significant damage to the interior.
“The resident, who was present at the time was uninjured however has been left badly shaken by the attack.
“I would appeal to anyone who may have witnessed this incident or who may have CCTV or other footage that could assist with enquiries to get in touch.
“I am also appealing to anyone who may have witnessed a number of men and vehicles that were seen acting suspiciously in the nearby Mallard View area of the town to contact detectives on 101 quoting reference 736 of 21/03/23.
“A report can be made using the online reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport. Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.”
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