Elderly brother dies after burglary
An elderly man has died at his home following a burglary.
The incident happened in Newry, Co Down last night when the 73-year-old man’s three also-elderly brothers returned home from mass and were confronted by up to five men.
One of the brothers was dragged from his car into the house.
After a struggle, the gang fled and the pensioners raised the alarm.
Two of the brothers were taken to hospital by ambulance while the third man was treated by a doctor at the scene.
The cause of death of the brother who had remained at home had still to be confirmed today, and it was not known whether anything had been stolen.
The incident followed concern highlighted by police that attacks and robberies against elderly people in Northern Ireland were increasing.
On Friday, five elderly people were targeted in three separate incidents in the greater Belfast area.
Detective Inspector George Millar yesterday said there was concern over the effects of such attacks on the victims of the incidents.
He added “In the last week we have seen so many incidents being highlighted day and daily.
“It has been horrifying to see elderly members of our community being subjected to such vicious attacks. There has been an increase.”
