A COMMUNITY has rallied to raise funds to have a security system installed at the home of a 101-year-old Co Tyrone man who was robbed at the weekend.
Widower Pat Gillespie, who lives in the Railway Street area of Strabane, was targeted on Friday evening after three men forced their way into his home through a back window and left with a quantity of cash.
Following the attack on the popular pensioner, SDLP MLA Daniel McCrossan set up an online fundraising campaign for a security system to be installed at Mr Gillespie's home.
Almost £1,500 was raised in just 24 hours, while a cash reward has been offered by a businessman to anyone who can bring forward information that leads to the conviction of those responsible.
"Pat is one of life's great characters, independent and full of life and energy," Mr McCrossan said.
"He is a pillar of our local community. At 101 nothing holds him back, not even the cowards responsible for this heinous crime.
"A very generous local business man, angered and frustrated, has come forward and offered a cash reward to anyone who can bring forward the information which will lead to the conviction of those responsible. That exemplifies what Pat means to local people while also exemplifying the togetherness of our community."
Police have made an appeal for information to the "disgusting and cowardly attack".
“Thankfully, the man was not physically injured during the incident, however, he has been left shaken by the ordeal."
Earlier this month Mr Gillespie made the headlines after falling foul of the law over his use of an electric bicycle to visit his wife's grave.
