Knife-wielding burglar confronts Ballymena man in 60s during early morning break-in

A man in his 60s was confronted by a burglar armed with two knives during a terrifying break-in at a home in Ballymena early on Thursday morning.

Police said the intruder, who had his face covered and was dressed in dark clothing, entered a property in the Francis Street area at around 7:50am before confronting the occupant inside the house.

The incident has left fresh concern in the local community following another serious burglary involving elderly residents in Ballymena earlier this week.

Armed intruder fled on e-scooter

Detective Inspector Lenaghan said the suspect was carrying two knives when he entered the property.

During the incident, the man stole a wallet containing cash and bank cards, along with a necklace, before fleeing the area.

Police said the suspect escaped towards the Larne Road area on an e-scooter after the burglary and dropped one of the knives while making off from the scene.

Despite the frightening ordeal, the homeowner was not physically injured.

Police appeal for CCTV and witnesses

Detectives are now appealing for information from anyone who may have seen suspicious activity in the area on Thursday morning.

Officers are particularly keen to hear from motorists, residents or businesses with CCTV, dashcam or doorbell footage from the Francis Street and Larne Road areas around the time of the incident.

Detective Inspector Lenaghan said:

“At around 7:50am, it was reported that a man dressed in dark coloured clothing with his face covered entered the property with his face covered.

“The male, who was armed with two knives, confronted a man in his 60s who was inside the property.

“The male then made off, dropping one of the knives, towards the Larne Road area on an e-scooter following the incident.

“The male occupant was not injured, but a wallet containing bank cards and cash as well as a necklace were taken during the incident.”

Community concern after latest Ballymena burglary

The latest incident is likely to heighten concerns among residents following a number of burglaries and robberies in recent months involving elderly or vulnerable occupants.

Police have urged anyone with information not to assume it is insignificant, particularly if they noticed anyone travelling through the area on an e-scooter shortly after the incident was reported.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting reference number 224 21/05/26.

Information can also be submitted online via: http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/

Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org

The investigation remains ongoing.