THERE was a deep sense of shock in the Co Tyrone village of Aughnacloy last night as news spread of a burglary which left an 83-year-old woman in a critical condition in hospital.
Police believe Pat Davidson may have fallen from an upstairs window while trying to escape a gang who ransacked her home on Tuesday night.
They were treating it as attempted murder.
It is believed a dog walker disturbed the four men after they had entered the widow's Sydney Street home shortly after 9pm on Tuesday.
They escaped in a black car in the direction of Moore Street.
The victim was found lying injured in her garden shortly afterwards and was treated at the scene before being taken to hospital.
Forensic officers spent much of yesterday examining Mrs Davidson's detached property, which sits on a plot of land and within a large landscaped garden.
Yellow crime scene markers had been laid out around the garden on the right hand side of the house, which has no neighbours on either side.
Police are investigating a possible link between the incident and three other reported burglaries which occurred in Aghaloo Close in Aughnacloy, Richmond Park in Ballygawley and in McDowell Terrace in Seskinore on Tuesday, as well as a separate report of a similar suspicious vehicle.
Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell said: “We have made progress and would now like to make a specific appeal for anyone who has information about two cars which may have been in the location of the burglaries over recent days.
“We are seeking information about a dark coloured car bearing the registration GK56 AEG, and a silver car, possibly a Ford Focus, with registration 06WX 6313. We believe at this stage these were both false registration plates."
An elderly neighbour, who didn't want to be named, described Mrs Davidson as a "highly respected" woman.
"You would see her in the yard," he said.
"She's here a lifetime. She used to have hens. She built them hen houses."
The man described the area as "quiet", adding that Mrs Davidson "kept herself to herself".
"She was a lovely Christian wee lady," he said.
DUP councillor Frances Burton said the community had been left "traumatised".
"Obviously, Aughnacloy is a fairly close-knit community," she said.
"The area is made up of families and there are senior citizens living nearby. I have spent this afternoon visiting with senior citizens, we are trying to support and help them."
Mrs Burton described what happened as "horrendous".
"No family should be put through this," she said.
"Somebody who has worked her whole life and this is what happens to them. The community is in pure shock.
"People, they do feel for her and her family and obviously, our thoughts and prayers are with her. My heart goes out to them".
Police have set up an incident room in Dungannon and have appealed for information.
Read more: Aughnacloy burglary 'may be linked to three others in area'
Man who went to aid of pensioner (83) after burglary window fall describes distressing scene
