More arrests as crime crackdown continues

Police in Belfast today launched a renewed drive against criminals in the south of the city.

A dozen people were detained by a team of officers in a search and arrest crackdown on burglary, robbery and car crime in the area.

The swoop came just hours after an elderly woman was attacked and robbed in her home in the area.

The police operation was expected to continue through the day.

A Police Service spokesman said the arrests were a further phase in an operation mounted by more than 100 officers last week during which 12 people were arrested and 21 premises visited.

Several of those arrested last week have already appeared in court on a variety of charges.

Recently the area has suffered a series of robberies and muggings.

Last night an 86-year-old woman was attacked and robbed at her home in the Stranmillis area of south Belfast.

She was thrown to the ground and injured then pinned to a bed while her home was ransacked by two men.

They made off with a sum of money leaving the woman slightly injured and deeply shocked after what police called ‘‘a cowardly attack’’.