A man who went to the aid of an 83-year-old woman who fell 12ft from an upstairs window as a gang ransacked her Co Tyrone home has described the distressing scenes.
Pat Davidson was found lying on paving stones at the side of her detached house in Aughnacloy on Tuesday night.
She was in a critical condition in hospital last night with injuries including a fractured spine, skull and pelvis.
Police believe the pensioner, who lived alone in Sydney Street in the heart of the border village, may have fallen from a bedroom window while trying to escape intruders shortly after 9pm.
It is believed a dog walker passing the house disturbed the four men, who fled in a black car.
He then discovered Mrs Davidson - a mother-of-two, whose sons are believed to live in Ballymena and Abu Dhabi - on the ground at the side of her home.
The widow was treated at the scene by ambulance staff before being taken to hospital.
Police were last night treating it as attempted murder.
They were also exploring a possible link with three other burglaries in Aughnacloy, Ballygawley and Seskinore.
Derek Loane, who owns Derek Loane Motors opposite Mrs Davidson's house, was among those who went to her aid.
The elder in Aughnacloy Presbyterian Church, which the victim also attends, described the scene as "very distressing".
"She was lying on the ground," he said.
"I went over. There wasn't much I could do. Her sister was there, there was police and ambulance. It was very distressing."
Mr Loane described the pensioner as "a lady of very sound faith".
"She is a very well-respected lady," he said.
"She is a quiet lady. A lady who kept to herself. She is a great Christian lady."
He added: "People are shocked around the town."
PSNI Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell said: “We are continuing to investigate this appalling incident in which a vulnerable 83 year old woman sustained serious injuries and the other burglaries which we believe are linked.
“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."
Read more: Shock in Co Tyrone village after woman (83) left critical from window fall during burglary
