Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
OAP, 83, CRITICAL AFTER ROBBERY WINDOW FALL
Much-loved Pat fighting for life after fleeing from gang
A PENSIONER has been left fighting for her life after falling from a window while fleeing a gang of burglars.
Pat Davidson, 83, was being treated in hospital last night for a fractured spine, skull and pelvis after the incident in Aughnacloy, Co Tyrone.
Derek Loane, a friend of the lady who lives alone, was among those first on the scene as the incident unfolded at around 8.30pm on Tuesday.
He said: “The community is in shock at the minute. I have known her for years. She used to keep hens, but she gave that up a few years ago.
“It’s starting to hit people now.
Everyone is praying for her. She lives on her own over there.
“Her husband passed away and she’s been on her own for a fair few years. She has two sons but they are not near at hand.”
Mr Loane said he was one of the people who went to Mrs Davidson’s aid before the ambulance arrived.
He added: “It was the window on the right of the house. It must have been desperate.
“Four boys coming into your house – but I haven’t heard the ins and outs of how it all happened. I am not sure who found her but there were a few people there. Her sister and nephew were there too.
“You would wonder how they knew she was on her own. How they got that information. I just can’t imagine that happening. I hope she pulls through.”
Mid Ulster Councillor Frances Burton spoke fondly of Mrs Davidson.
The DUP representative added: “She’s highly respected in the community and she’s really lovely.
“I know the church she would be involved with. She’s a lovely Christian lady. “She worked hard her whole life. It just breaks my heart.”
PSNI Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell said the incident was “sickening”. He added: “We take the issue of crime against older people extremely seriously and remain committed to putting those responsible before the courts. “I am particularly keen to speak with anyone who may have seen a black coloured car in the Sydney Street or Moore Street area yesterday or last night I would also like to hear from anyone who noticed anything suspicious in Aughnacloy, Ballygawley and Seskinore.”