Pensioner threatened with hammer during Belfast burglary

A disabled man in his 70s is recovering this morning after being threatened with a claw hammer during a burglary at his home in west Belfast last night.

Three burglars entered the pensioner's home in St James Parade, dragged him from his chair and then covered his mouth when he tried to call for help.

They eventually fled empty-handed.

A number of hours earlier, three burglars also forced their way into a 91-year-old woman's house on Melrose Avenue in east Belfast and stole a purse containing money.

Police said the woman was not hurt in the incident, but did suffer shock.