Pensioner who was pinned to his bed during burglary taken to hospital

By Q Radio News

A pensioner has been taken to hospital following a burglary in Banbridge. 

The man in his 80s was pinned to his bed by one of two intruders who forced their way inside the property on Granville Gardens at around 7pm last night. 

The victim was injured in a struggle while trying to defend himself against the two men who made off with his wallet, gardening equipment and two phones.   

Police are appealing for information about the attack which they've described as "despicable".      

A PSNI spokesperson said: "A report was made to police at 7pm that two men forced entry to a house in Granville Gardens.

"The occupant, a man aged in his eighties, was upstairs when the two suspects entered his bedroom.

"One of the suspects is described as being of a heavy build; the other of a thin build.

"The heavier of the two pinned the victim on his bed and, as he tried to defend himself, the victim was injured in a struggle, sustaining cuts to his arm.

"The suspects made off with the victim's wallet, gardening equipment and two phones.

"The victim was taken to hospital following the attack." 

Detective Sergeant James Johnston added: "This was a nasty, despicable attack on the victim. The suspects chose to attack a vulnerable man and subjected him to a horrendous ordeal. It must have been terrifying for him.

"I'm appealing to anyone who knows any information about this disgusting crime to get in touch with our detectives in Lurgan on 101, and quote reference number 1584 of 20/02/21."