Elderly resident left shaken after being confronted by masked men

Detectives are appealing for information following the incident which occurred around 8.30pm in the Donagh Park area of the village.

The culprits left empty-handed after searching the home of the retired householder who was unhurt but badly shaken by his ordeal.

It is the first incident of this type in Donacloney for a long time and local MLA George Savage, who lives nearby, said he hoped it would be the last.

Expressing his outrage at the attack on the home of an elderly, vulnerable resident, Mr Savage urged anyone with any information to get in touch with police.

“Any detail, no matter how small, could help in the police’s endeavours to track down the culprits,” he said. “I abhor these type of attacks which prey on the vulnerability of householders and I would ask everyone in the community to look out for their elderly neighbours.”

Mr Savage, who knows the victim personally, said the man, who is retired, had been left very wary and in a nervous state following the experience.

“From memory, this is the first attack of this nature in Donacloney for a long time and I sincerely hope it will be the last,” said Mr Savage. “There are too many attacks on the vulnerable in society in other towns and cities and I am saddened and disappointed it has now happened to a resident in the village.

“We all need to check on our elderly neighbours and report anything suspicious to police immediately.”

Anyone who noticed any unusual activity in the area is asked to contact detectives at Mahon Road on 0845 600 8000. Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Meanwhile, police in Craigavon will be increasing patrols in the area following a number of incidents in the Lurgan area.

Craigavon Area Commander, Chief Inspector Anthony McNally, said, “Burglary is an opportunistic crime and, with the public’s support, we can decrease the opportunities for thieves. While we will be increasing patrols, we would also ask our community to be vigilant - your help is vital. I would ask all residents to report any unusual or suspicious activity in their local area to us immediately.”