Gertie Primrose was in her isolated home near Brookeborough on Friday night around 8pm when three men entered her house in an attempt to burglar her, but she stood up to them and forced the men to leave empty handed. 

This is the second time in three months that Gertie has been a victim of heartless thugs who targeted her rural home.

In April, one man came into her house while Gertie was outside and stole money from her bedroom and left behind a trail of destruction. 

This time, nothing was reported stolen and thankfully Gertie was not threatened or physically hurt. 

Gertie explained that she was on the phone and thought she saw a shadow, so she dropped the phone and saw one of the men going into her bedroom, and she bravely followed him. 

“It was an awful ordeal. I told them ‘this is my house, get out’. There were three of them but I followed one of the men into my bedroom and he was about to look under my bed, and I told him to leave my bed alone.” 

“He started to look through the presses and drawers but I told him to leave me alone and go home.”

One of the men then stayed with Gertie while a second man searched the house and a third went back outside the house to a car which is described as being silver/gold in colour. All three then fled in the vehicle. 

One of the suspects is described as being approximately 5’10” tall, of slim build, had a long slim face and a fair complexion. He wore a grey jacket with a tinge of brown, possibly a fleece and spoke with what is described as a local accent and is thought to be aged in his thirties or forties.

Gertie has been left shaken by the incident. especially as it is only a short time since the previous burglary. 

“I got a shock because it is not long since this happened before. They didn’t get anything this time, but the last time one man came in and he stole my money. The cheek of them going through things in anyone’s home. The police have been here and they are trying their best. I do not need this at my age – I am just disgusted,” said Gertie. 

Local councillor Victor Warrington expressed his disgust that Gertie was once again targeted. 

“She is a very strong, brave and resilient woman, and thankfully they did not harm her. She seemed to be more shaken the last time. 

“People are horrified that this happened to her again, and it is shocking. 

“She has lived there all of her life and it is very sad that these individuals would do this.”

A police spokesman said, “This was a despicable attack by cowards which must have been a terrifying experience for the victim. I would urge anyone who has information which could help us catch the suspects to please, get in touch.”