Pensioner injured in screwdriver attack

At around 8.30pm a man called to the 73-year-old’s house at Tobarcooran Avenue and asked to borrow a pen and paper. When the householder unlocked the door a further four men barged their way into the property and forced the elderly man into a room.

One of the men, who was armed with a screwdriver, threatened the pensioner and cut his hand.

The gang searched the man’s house before making off with a sum of cash.

It is understood that the men involved in the aggravated burglary were all aged in their 20s or early 30s.

Police are appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time, or anyone with any information about the incident, to contact them at Newtownabbey Station.

The Chairman of Newtownabbey District Policing Partnership, councillor Fraser Agnew, has appealed to the local community to help the police bring those responsible to justice.

“We have been hearing reports of attacks on elderly people in other parts of the Province and it is most disturbing to learn of this attack on Monday evening.

“I’m horrified that an attack like this can take place in such a residential area and I sincerely hope that the gentleman concerned recovers from his injury and the trauma of the attack.

“Words cannot adequately express my revulsion of this type of attack and thankfully we don’t have too many in the borough. This is small comfort to the gentleman concerned and I would appeal to anyone who can help identify the culprits to get in touch with the police immediately,” he said.

Investigating officers can be contacted on 0845 600 8000. Alternatively, information can be passed on anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.