Gang with swords rob men in home

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Two men have been assaulted and robbed by a gang of youths in Carrickfergus, two of whom are believed to have been armed with samurai swords.

Up to five youths, one thought to be about 14, forced their way into a house in Drumhoy Drive in the Sunnylands estate at about 1440 GMT on Tuesday.

They threatened the occupants before attacking them and stealing a plasma screen TV, Playstation and games.

The victims, who are in their 30s, suffered cuts and bruises.

In a separate incident on Tuesday, a woman in her 80s was threatened with a poker during a robbery at her home in Hillburn Park in east Belfast.

The two robberss said they were looking for money to buy drugs. The victim was shaken but unhurt.

Both attackers were described as being in their early 20s; one is thought to have short, dirty fair hair and of medium build.

Two hours later, an elderly couple in the Crescent area of Carryduff was threatened by four men thought to be in their late teens or early 20s, who forced their way into their house.

Police are investigating if the two robberies are linked.