Despicable burglars broke into the home of a pensioner who died last week and held her partner down in his bed as they ransacked the house.
The incident happened last night (Saturday) around 7pm in the Granville Gardens area of Banbridge.
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart branded the culprits “two bad animals”.
She said: “They ripped out the kitchen window, ransacked the house and physically assaulted an 88-year-old man in the house.
“They held him down in his bed as they ransacked the house and made off with some valuables.
“The family of the deceased lady and her partner, the gentleman who was attacked, are shocked, devastated and angry that two men would carry out such a brutal attack and robbery.”
The DUP representative added: “These individuals need to face the full force of the law.”
Police confirmed that two men forced entry to a house in Granville Gardens.
The occupant, a man aged in his eighties, was upstairs when the two suspects entered his bedroom.
One of the suspects is described as being of a heavy build; the other of a thin build.
The heavier of the two pinned the victim on his bed and, as he tried to defend himself, the victim was injured in a struggle, sustaining cuts to his arm.
The suspects made off with the victim’s wallet, gardening equipment and two phones.
The victim was taken to hospital following the attack.
Detective Sergeant James Johnston said: “This was a nasty, despicable attack on the victim. The suspects chose to attack a vulnerable man and subjected him to a horrendous ordeal. It must have been terrifying for him.
“I’m appealing to anyone who knows any information about this disgusting crime to get in touch with our detectives in Lurgan on 101, and quote reference number 1584 of 20/02/21.”
A report can also be submitted via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
