A 70-year-old man was threatened with an “edged weapon” in his bedroom after an offender broke through the front door of his Alice Springs house with an iron bar, with that offender and another man later returning to the house and again threatening the man with an “edged weapon”, NT Police said.

Police director of communications Mark Wilton said in a statement that about 11.45pm Sunday, police received a report of an aggravated robbery at a house in Raggatt Street in East Side.

“An unknown male had allegedly gained access to the residence by using an iron bar to break through the front door,” Mr Wilton said.

“He proceeded to rummage through the residence before entering the bedroom of the 70-year-old male occupant and allegedly threatened him with an edged weapon demanding property.

“The offender left the residence and returned with another unknown male offender a short time later. The second male was also allegedly armed with an edged weapon.

“The two offenders allegedly threatened the victim once again, before stealing a set of keys and a handbag with personal property.”

Mr Wilton said the offenders used the stolen keys to drive off in a white van.

While at about 1am a woman had her backpack stolen while riding a bike along Barrett Drive, Mr Wilton said.

Police said the woman was allegedly approached by man who got out of a white van parked on the side of the road, a vehicle he drove off in after he stole the backpack. NT Police believe there were two other men in the van.

The two incidents are believed to be linked, and the offenders and white van remain outstanding.

Police are asking a anyone who saw either robbery, or who have CCTV footage or dash cam footage of either locations, to call them on 131 444 (quote reference P24211067), or report anonymously to Crime Stoppers by calling 1800 333 000 or report through the website.