88-year-old attacked days after losing partner by pair 'looking for cancer drugs'

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Tommy McDowell.

Q Radio News

An 88-year-old Banbridge man assaulted at the weekend in what police are calling a despicable aggravated burglary has been speaking about his ordeal.

Tommy McDowell tells Q Radio the incident happened on Saturday night, just a week after he lost his partner of 29 years, Eileen.

The pensioner was pinned to his bed in Granville Gardens by the masked intruders, but they fled when he fought back:

 

Tommy was treated for the cuts and bruises in hospital, is now being looked after by family members and won't be able to return home.

Family and friends fear Tommy was deliberately targeted by thieves looking for drugs.

His beloved Eileen died of cancer and it's suspected the intruders were aware of that through a death notice, arriving at Granville Gardens thinking strong cancer drugs would still be in the house - they weren't.

The raiders left empty-handed in the end as they soon discarded a wallet with £10 and two portable phones they had taken from the house.

Tommy McDowell with his hand bruised in the attack holding a picture of his late partner, Eileen.

A man has been arrested following the burglary.

The 47 year-old suspect has been arrested on suspicion of burglary and assault.

He remains in police custody.

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