A group of four masked men armed with guns forced their way into a home in Silverbridge on Friday evening.
The female occupant was left badly shaken by the “terrifying nightmare” which occurred on Carnally Road at some time between 8pm and 9pm.
The group of men then made off in the direction of New Line, Dundalk Road, and it is not believed that anything was taken.
Detective Inspector Ryan said: “Police received a report at around 8pm that four masked men, armed with guns, forced entry to a house via the backdoor in the Carnally Road area.
“It was reported that the men searched the house and pushed the female occupant, who was left shaken from the incident.
“The men then made off in the direction of New Line, Dundalk Road. It is not believed they made off with anything from the house.”
Detective Inspector Ryan continued: “This was a terrifying ordeal for the occupant. We have launched an investigation and would ask anyone who witnessed anything suspicious in the area between 8-9pm to contact detectives on 101 and quote reference 1574 25/10/24.
“You can also report online at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.”
Sinn Féin Councillor Áoife Finnegan has condemned those involved and has appealed for anyone that may have any information about this incident, to contact the PSNI.
“An armed gang entered a home in the Silverbridge area. The men searched the house and pushed the female occupant, who was left shaken from the incident,” she said.
“This must have been a terrifying nightmare for this lady, I can only imagine the fear that this dastardly and cowardly act has caused her.