Elderly man severely bruised in disturbing Glenavy spade attack

By Adam Evans

An elderly man has been left severely bruised after an intruder in a balaclava broke into his home in Glenavy.

He was attacked with a spade inside the house around the Moira Road just before Midnight last night.

Cash and alcohol was also stolen.

Ulster Unionist Councillor, Paul Michael said: "I visited the home of the elderly gentleman this morning and was absolutely sickened by the aftermath of this attack.   The man who is in his late seventies is severely bruised from trying to defend himself against the intruder who struck him several times with a spade during the attempted robbery.

"It is extremely important that we keep a check on our elderly neighbours during these times when they can be more vulnerable. I would also appeal to the PSNI to increase their patrols of rural areas, especially in these colder periods when the elderly can become more isolated in their homes. 

"It is deeply disturbing that there are people in our community who are capable of such a horrific assault on a pensioner."

In a statement, PSNI Constable Higgins said: "Constable Higgins said; “It was reported that shortly before midnight last night, Tuesday, 16 January an unknown male entered a house in the Moira Road. Once inside the property the male occupant was assaulted. He sustained injuries which are not believed to be life threatening. 

"The intruder, who is believed to have been wearing a balaclava, fled the scene after stealing a small sum of cash and alcohol. He fled the scene on what has been described as a motorcycle.

"I would appeal to anyone who noticed any suspicious persons or vehicles in the area to contact Detectives at Antrim Criminal Investigation Branch on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference 49 17/01/18. Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime."