Pensioner tied up and assaulted in Co Down home by robbers

Police said the man, aged in his late 60s, was tied up and assaulted by two or three robbers who entered his Slieveshan Park home in Kilkeel around midnight on Tuesday.

He was struck on the head, tied up and had his head covered with a pillowcase before his assailants ransacked the house.

The robbers remained on the property for around 30 minutes before leaving and the victim managed to free himself and raise the alarm.

A sum of money was stolen and police are appealing for anyone who noticed any suspicious activity in the area to ring the PSNI on 101.

Councillor Henry Reilly said the victim has mobility problems and was an easy target.

“I have been speaking to some of his relatives today and they are absolutely livid that this man was targeted,” Mr Reilly said.

“He came home from a prayer meeting at a church and was actually in bed whenever this gang got into the house. They put a pillow case over his head and gave him a bad time.”

Mr Reilly said everyone should be alert to suspicious behaviour around their neighbours’ properties.

“There was a gang about three months ago that did a series of hits from Bessbrook right through into south Down, and there is a concern that it could be the same crowd starting to get active again. I would call for people to be very vigilant and if they suspect anything at all to ring the police on 101, or if they are concerned for their personal safety to ring 999.”

South Down MP Margaret Ritchie said the entire community had been shocked by the attack which was “out of character” for the area and also called for anyone with information to contact police.