AN eight-year-old girl was held down and two women attacked during a "vicious" burglary in Co Down.
Three men wearing dark hooded tops were said to have forced their way into the house in the Bramblewood area of Banbridge shortly before 11pm on Friday.
A 48-year-old woman and a 17-year-old girl were later treated in hospital for suspected fractures and other injuries which were not believed to be life–threatening.
Detective Inspector Stephen Harvey said an eight-year-old girl was also held down by one of the attackers and was later treated for shock.
It is understood the three victims are related.
"This was a vicious act and I would ask for the public to assist us in bringing the perpetrators to justice," he said.
Less than two weeks ago, an 83-year-old man was held in a chair while three masked men ransacked his home in Iveagh Walk in Banbridge.
The pensioner was left shaken by the attack and the gang made off with cash.
Ulster Unionist MLA Doug Beattie said there has been a string of similar incidents which have blighted the town.
"I will be meeting with the PSNI to discuss what can be done to address the escalation of such attacks on people’s homes in the Banbridge area over the last few months in particular," he said.
"If this is a matter of resource, it must be tackled at the source. A young child of only eight years of age has been left traumatised by this when she should be safe in her own home."
DUP MLA Carla Lockhart also described the latest burglary as "terrifying".
"For a family to have to experience something like this is horrifying, particularly for the young child involved," she said.
"This is a quiet residential area. News of the incident has shocked neighbours."
Police have appealed for information.
