THE PSNI has appealed for information after thieves locked up an elderly south Armagh man before robbing him of his Christmas money.
The man in his 60s was also assaulted when a number of masked men – one of whom was armed – forced their way into his house in the Skeriff Road area of Cullyhanna between 8.30pm and 9pm on Tuesday evening.
Sinn Féin councillor Terry Hearty told the Irish News the man was now recovering from the ordeal.
“He’s very shaken after what happened and has moved out of the house to stay with relatives.
"The man had lifted his Christmas money at the local Post Office. Shortly after he returned home thugs entered his home, assaulted him, took his money from his pockets, locked him in the kitchen and ransacked the house.
"What further compounded this cowardly attack was the fact that the victim would be viewed as extremely vulnerable. There is a huge anger with the community about this disgusting theft".
Cllr Hearty said there are fears he had been under surveillance by the gang.
“He lifted money out of the Post Office that day and the fact that it was taken so soon afterwards has raised fears they were watching him. There hasn’t been any recent incidents like this so there’s a lot of fear in the area.
"Those engaged in this type of dreadful crime need to be apprehended and face the full rigours of the law.
“Anyone who can give any information whatsoever about this disgusting act should give it to the PSNI immediately.
“I am only too willing to help catch these thugs who terrify in particular the most vulnerable members of our community, so people can feel free to contact myself if they wish".
A PSNI spokesman appealed to the public for assistance.
“Anyone with any information about this incident, or anyone who noticed any suspicious activity in the area, is asked to contact detectives at Ardmore Police Station, Newry, on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference number 567 of 14/12/16. Or if someone would prefer to provide information without giving their details, they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
