Write a comment
Detectives in Newry are investigating the attempted murder of a man in his 70s who was brutally beaten with bats by six masked intruders before they set his Keady home on fire on Thursday night, 11 December.
The terrifying ordeal began at around 7.35pm when the gang, armed with bats, forced their way into the living room of the man's home on the Clay Road. The attackers set upon the pensioner with the weapons, continuing to beat him even as he lay on the floor whilst one of the men ransacked the upstairs of the property.
The intruders then poured accelerant over the victim and around his home before sparking a fire. Despite his injuries, the man managed to run past his attackers and escape the burning building, only to be attacked again with bats in the yard of the property. The suspects are believed to have fled the scene in a dark-coloured vehicle, possibly an estate car.
The badly injured man managed to make his way to the roadside where he raised the alarm with a passing member of the public. Police and the NI Fire and Rescue Service attended the scene. Both the home and the injured man's vehicle were destroyed by fire.
Detective Inspector Moffett said: "This was a terrible ordeal for this man who was subjected to a savage beating and has now lost his home. He remains in hospital at this time for treatment to a range of injuries."
He added: "We have launched our investigation and we are increasing our anti-burglary patrolling, particularly in our border areas, however we do also need the public's help to prevent these crimes and to identify the people responsible for this heinous crime."
Detectives are appealing for anyone who captured CCTV, doorbell, dashcam or any footage in the Keady area on Thursday evening to come forward. Police can be reached any time by calling 101, or 999 in an emergency or if a crime is in progress. Information can also be submitted online via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org/
