Burglar punches 86 year old woman in the face

Mary Street in Lurgan, the scene of an early morning attack on two elderly ladies during a burglary at the weekend. INLM09-218.

The pensioner and another woman aged 78 were left badly shaken after the burglary.

The elder pensioner was attacked around 5.45am after discovering an intruder in their house. The man, who was wearing a black, hooded top, left the house empty-handed.

Their sister said: “She was hit on the face but her nose was not broken. It was a very traumatic experience for them.

“They will be alright but this is very hard on two people at that age. The ambulance and paramedics were here but her nose was not broken.

“They said they didn’t want to traumatise them further by sending them to hospital.” SDLP Cllr Declan McAlinden said: “The ladies were very shaken and in shock and disbelief that someone would break in to their house.

“There is no apparent reason to target them other than they were completely defenceless sisters in their 70s and 80s.”

Sinn Féin Cllr Noel McGeown said: “The entire local community are horrified and angry that such an attack has taken place and I would urge everyone to be vigilant of their elderly neighbours.”