GARDAI are appealing for information after an elderly man was threatened and robbed in his home on Arranmore Island last night.
A man entered the 82-year-old victim’s house at Ballintra at around 8 pm, before threatening him and making off with a small sum of cash.
Garda Superintendent David Kelly said the culprit was wearing a disguise, however, he appealed to anyone who was on the island around that time, and who may have noticed suspicious activity, to contact Gardai immediately.
“There is a great community out on Arranmore and this type of thing does not happen regularly. However, the culprit must have been out and about, prior to or after 8pm, so someone must have seen something. The man was not injured, but he was badly shook up. This was a lousy thing to do and I would appeal to anyone with information to contact us,” he said.
Gardai arrived on the island last night as soon as they were made aware of the incident and they currently carrying out house to house inquiries today.
Meanwhile, the incident was also condemned in joint press statement from the Arranmore Island community bodies, Comhairle Oileán Árainn Mhóir (Arranmore Island Community Council), Comharchumann Árainn Mhór and Ionad Chroís Bhealaigh.
“Due to the sensitivity of the ongoing investigation, the incident itself which took place on Arranmore Island on the evening of Tuesday 1st March will not be discussed publicly at this time by the islands representative bodies,” the statement read.
“However, this crime is unprecedented and understandably the community are shocked and appalled and will be pulling together as much as ever to ensure such an incident is a one off. We have a proud tradition of looking out for one another on Arranmore Island, especially the more vulnerable in our community, and such an incident will only go to strengthen that community ethos.”
Anybody with any information is asked to contact Milford Garda station on 07491 53060.
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