GARDAÍ are investigating a robbery in Donegal yesterday in which a woman and her four children were threatened at gunpoint.
The woman was getting her children ready for school when three armed men entered the house in Tinnego, outside Buncrana, and demanded money. The raiders stole an undisclosed sum of cash before making off in the family car.
No shots were discharged and the family were physically unharmed but traumatised by the incident.
The house targeted in the raid is that of a local businessman who has no connections to any banks or other financial institutions. The car containing the three men then drove towards Bridgend and crossed the Border into Derry where they evaded PSNI officers in the Crescent Link area. The vehicle was found abandoned at about 10am.
A PSNI spokesman said it is believed the three men then stole a second car in the Drumahoe area at about 10.30am. The police are appealing for information about a grey Vauxhall Astra, registration INZ 7128.
“For safety reasons the public should not attempt to stop or follow this car or approach the occupants,” the spokesman said.
Shortly after the initial incident in Donegal, a fourth man in his 30s was arrested by gardaí.Anyone with information is asked to contact gardaí in Donegal on 074-9320540.
Meanwhile, raiders stole two legally-held firearms and an undisclosed sum of money during the burglary of a businessman’s home in Ballycumber, Co Offaly yesterday.
Two men wearing balaclavas burst through the patio door of the house at 1.15am. The raiders, who were armed with a knife and a wheel brace, assaulted a man before tying him up with cable ties.
The householder, who is in his 40s, was threatened with his own gun as the men searched his home before escaping with a shotgun, rifle and cash. The businessman was badly shaken.