News

Pensioner critically ill following burglary at his home

A disabled man in his seventies was critically ill in hospital last night after he was attacked during a burglary in Co Armagh.

Three men broke into the man's house in Clogharevan Park in Bessbrook early yesterday morning.

The men came into the pensioner's bedroom and attacked him with a sharp object.

He was cut several times in the attack. Police believe some money was taken in the burglary. The attack was reported to police at about 2.40am yesterday.

The man was taken to Daisy Hill Hospital in Newry before he was transferred to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.

A spokeswoman for the Royal Victoria said he remained in a critical condition last night.

Police appealed for information.

Ulster Unionist assembly member Danny Kennedy said the attack was "despicable".

"I wish the gentleman well as he recovers from his injuries," he said.

"There is no place in society for behaviour like this and those responsible need to be taken off the streets. I would appeal to anyone who has any information that will help the PSNI catch those responsible to contact the police immediately."

SDLP councillor Kate Loughran said she was appalled by the attack.

“I am disgusted and repulsed to hear of an older member of our community being attacked in his own bed in his own home," she said.

"This type of behaviour is totally unacceptable in any society and I hope that the person or persons responsible will be brought before the law without delay," she said.

"The community in Bessbrook is stunned by the attack on this man, who suffered very serious injuries.

"I want to join with them in wishing him a speedy recovery and I would very much urge anyone who has any information that would help the police to apprehend whoever is responsible for this heinous crime to come forward to the PSNI without any delay whatsoever."