Two men and teenage girl arrested over border burglaries

Two men and a teenage girl have been arrested as detectives in the north investigate suspected links between a series of burglaries in rural Fermanagh, a dramatic confrontation with locals, and a stolen escape vehicle recovered across miles away in Armagh.

The two men, aged 45 and 20, and a teenage girl were arrested in the Newtownhamilton area on Friday, November 13, on suspicion of burglary and other offences.

All three remain in police custody at this time as detectives continue to investigate a series of incidents in Newtownbutler and Lisnaskea. This includes a vehicle theft from outside an address on Wattlebridge Road, Newtownbutler, at approximately 8.15am on Wednesday, November 11.

The theft came in the aftermath of an attempted burglary and confrontation at a property in the Church Lane housing estate of Newtownbutler the previous afternoon, Tuesday, November 10.

That incident saw two men and a young female confronted by members of the public after allegedly entering a property through a rear door.

Tensions escalated when a white BMW 1 Series they were travelling in was prevented from leaving the estate after locals blocked it in using a large white van.

Following the vehicle theft the following morning, a description of two male suspects believed to have been involved was released by the PSNI, with one described as being of slim to medium build, with short dark hair and stubble, and wearing green workwear trousers.

PSNI detectives in Enniskillen subsequently confirmed that the stolen vehicle was subsequently discovered abandoned in Newtownhamilton, County Armagh, following an extensive search.

It is understood that Gardaí in Cavan and Monaghan were contacted following Wednesday's vehicle theft, with assistance sought from units operating along the border corridor after the stolen vehicle was reportedly driven in the direction of Clones and through Fermanagh Street at speed.

After it was found abandoned the vehicle was seized by police. Like the white BMW it is also undergoing forensic examination as detectives examine potential links between the Church Lane incident and earlier reported burglaries in the Camphill Park and Landbrock Road areas of Newtownbutler, as well as an attempted break-in in the Knocks Road area of Lisnaskea.

As part of Friday's developments, police further searched a property in the Dungormley Estate area.

Police meanwhile are continuing to appeal for information from anyone who witnessed suspicious activity around Wattlebridge Road on Wednesday morning, or who may have information about the movements of the stolen vehicle.

Anyone who can assist the investigation is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 196 11/11/26.

Information can also be submitted online through the PSNI's non-emergency reporting service at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/.

Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or submitted online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.