Farm sealed off in hunt for gun thief
Police sealed off a derelict farm in Tyrone today as they hunted for a raider who terrorised a couple and stole a gun from their home.
Armed with a knife, he forced his way into the house in Plumbridge Road, Newtownstewart just after 10pm last night.
He assaulted the homeowner before seizing a shotgun, police said.
When the victim’s wife returned home, she was also threatened before the intruder took her car and fled with the weapon.
The vehicle was found abandoned at a nearby derelict farm, and police are understood to believe the thief may be inside. Officers remained at the scene today.
The suspect is described as being in his mid-30s, 5ft 8in, and of stocky, muscular build, with short black hair, a round face and prominent eyes.
A PSNI spokesman said: “Although information would suggest the man is originally from the Belfast area, the man is believed to have recently been living in Leeds.”
He warned the public not to approach him if he is seen, but to alert police.
