Pensioner Seriously Injured During Burglary In Co Tyrone

An 83-year-old woman has been seriously hurt during a burglary in Aughnacloy, Co Tyrone.

Police are treating the attack, which happened in the Sydney Street area just after 9pm on Tuesday, 23 January, as attempted murder.

Four men ransacked her home and a short time later the elderly woman was discovered lying injured in the garden of her home. She was treated at the scene by paramedics before being taken to hospital.

Her condition has been described as critical.

The four suspects made off in a black coloured car in the direction of Moore Street.

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 yesterday, as well as a separate report of a similar suspicious vehicle.

Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell said: "This is a sickening incident in which a vulnerable 83 year old woman sustained serious injuries. We are investigating the circumstances of the burglary and believe that the lady may have fallen from an upstairs bedroom window while trying to escape while her house was ransacked.

"We take the issue of crime against older people extremely seriously and remain committed to putting those responsible before the courts. We work to prevent such crimes, to catch those responsible for incidents which do occur and to help older people keep themselves and their home safe. We understand the effect that burglary can have on its victims and want to reassure the community that we are undertaking thorough and robust investigations."

Police are appealing for anyone with information to contact them.

(CD/MH)