AN ELDERLY disabled man has been attacked in his bed during a burglary in Co Down.
Police said the pensioner was assaulted with a "sharp implement" by three men who broke into his home in Clogharevan Park, Newry, during the early hours of this morning.
Detective Inspector Harry Colgan said the elderly man had received several wounds and "has been taken to hospital for treatment to his injuries".
An undisclosed sum of cash is believed to have been stolen.
SDLP councillor Kate Loughran said she was "disgusted and repulsed" by the burglary.
"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."
UUP MLA Danny Kennedy also condemned the assault, which he described as a 'despicable act.'
“There is no place in society for behaviour like this and those responsible need to be taken off the streets", said Kennedy.
"I would appeal to anyone who has any information that will help the PSNI catch those responsible to contact the police immediately.”
