Attempted murder probe after masked gang beat pensioner and torch his home

Detectives have launched an attempted murder investigation after a man in his 70s was savagely beaten in his Keady home before the property was set alight on Thursday night.

The terrifying attack unfolded at around 7.35pm in Newry on 11 December, when six masked men armed with bats forced their way into the living room of the man’s house on Clay Road.

Police say the intruders beat the pensioner repeatedly, continuing the assault as he lay defenceless on the floor. During the attack, one of the suspects ransacked the upstairs rooms of the property.

The brutality escalated further when the gang poured accelerant over the victim and throughout the house before starting a fire. Despite his severe injuries, the man managed to force his way past the attackers and escape the burning building.

But once outside, he was attacked again with bats in the yard before the suspects fled the scene. It is believed they left in a dark-coloured vehicle, possibly an estate car.

Badly injured, the man managed to reach the roadside where he raised the alarm with a passing member of the public. Emergency services, including police and the NI Fire and Rescue Service, attended the scene. The man’s home and vehicle were both destroyed in the fire.

Detective Inspector Moffett described the incident as a horrifying and violent ordeal.

“This was a terrible ordeal for this man who was subjected to a savage beating and has now lost his home. He remains in hospital at this time for treatment to a range of injuries.”

DI Moffett confirmed that a major investigation is underway.

“We have launched our investigation and we are increasing our anti-burglary patrolling, particularly in our border areas, however we do also need the public’s help to prevent these crimes and to identify the people responsible for this heinous crime.

“If you captured CCTV, doorbell, dashcam or any footage in the Keady area on Thursday evening, please get in touch. Police can be reached any time by calling 101, or 999 in an emergency or if a crime is in progress.”

Anyone with information can contact police or submit details online via the PSNI reporting portal. Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously.

• Police: 101 (or 999 in an emergency)

• Online reporting: psni.police.uk/makeareport/

• Crimestoppers: 0800 555 111 or crimestoppers-uk.org