Hillsborough mum is victim of car jackers

Andrea Cochrane, a 35-year-old mother of two, had returned from a lecture in Linenhall Street around 8.45pm but when she got into her black Peugeot 206 estate car suddenly the window was banged.

She had been about to phone her husband to ask him if he wanted anything brought home, when the car door was flung open and someone started screaming at her to get out.

A terrified Andrea refused but held onto the steering wheel, while one of her attackers then dragged her out and punched her on the neck.

Andrea, who had just given birth to her second baby five weeks ago attempted to bravely fight off her attacker to stop him taking her handbag and phone.

Andrea, a sales assistant who has been studying to become a chartered accountant, said that her attacker’s face was covered by a scarf.

“All I could think about was my phone and the videos of the kids,” said Andrea. “All the baby’s new photos.”

Andrea, said that her attacker then let go of her bag and she ran towards the Dublin Road.

“I was screaming literally roaring and crying,” she said. “Then I heard a screech of the tyres.

“I thought they were coming after me.

“I felt sheer terror they were coming to get me because they could see I was phoning the police.”

Mrs Cochrane’s car was found burnt out at Laurelbank in Poleglass shortly after 1am on Saturday.

She said that that she would advise other women to be careful when parking their cars.

“I would definitely say as soon as you are in the car lock it regardless of where you are,” she said.

“I was in a very well lit street. There was street lamps all around me.

“No matter where I am, I’ll still be putting those locks down.”