Elderly woman restrained during home raid
AN ELDERLY woman was forcibly restrained by two men who ransacked her home in an attack that has shocked a small rural Co Down community.
The robbery happened on Tuesday night in Seaforde and police are appealing for witnesses to come forward.
Detective Constable Michael Brannigan said: “We received a report on Wednesday that the female occupant of a house in the Newcastle Road area of Seaforde was outside her property on Tuesday night when two males approached and forced her inside.
“Once inside the property the suspects forced the woman, aged in her 70s, onto a chair and held her hands behind her back. The suspects then carried out a search and subsequently fled with a sum of money.
“It’s believed this occurred some time between 7.30pm and 7.45pm on Tuesday night.
“The woman was not injured. However, she was left badly shaken by her ordeal.
“The suspects are described as being aged in their 20s, of slim build and wore grey-coloured tops, with the hoods pulled up.”
SDLP MLA Colin McGrath last night condemned the attack on the vulnerable elderly woman, saying the local community had been shocked by the outrage.
Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph, the South Down representative said “this was a disgraceful act and one that has left a lady in a very shaken state”. He added: “For some in our community to pick on a vulnerable lady on a dark autumn evening is horrendous.”
“The local community are unhappy at this incident and are in shock. My thoughts are with the lady at this time but I am sure that the local community will rally round and support her.
“I would urge anyone with any information to contact the police so the full force of the law can be directed to these individuals to ensure our community is safe for everyone.”
Councillor Roisin Howell said the robbery would have been very frightening for the victim
“It’s a dreadful thing to have happened,” she said.
“It doesn’t bear thinking about. It’s very worrying for everyone in the village.
“My thoughts are with the poor woman who suffered this terrible ordeal.”
Detective Constable Brannigan urged the public to come forward with information.
“I am appealing to anyone who was in the area on Tuesday night between 7.30pm and 7.45pm in particular in the Newcastle Road, Seaforde or Clough areas and who saw any suspicious activity to get in touch with us,” he said.
“I would also appeal to anyone who has information they believe may assist our investigation to contact detectives in Ardmore on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference number 399 of 24/10/18.”