Garda inquiry into attacks on elderly

Gardai are following a definite line of inquiry into a series of attacks on people living alone near Baltray, Drogheda.

Gardai are following a definite line of inquiry into a series of attacks on people living alone near Baltray, Drogheda.

The most recent victim was a 92-year-old man who was tied up in his bed by two men who forced their way into his home.

It is the third such incident in as many months.

A Garda spokesman said Monday night's incident happened at about 8 p.m. when the man had gone to bed. The front door of his two-storey house was kicked in by two men who confronted him in the bedroom. They tied him up and demanded to know where his money was.

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The culprits then ransacked the house before escaping with an amount of money. After about an hour the man managed to free himself, and gardai were contacted. He was uninjured and stayed overnight with neighbours.

Approximately six weeks ago a woman in her 80s was robbed in similar circumstances, and a couple of months ago a local priest, who is middle aged, was attacked by men using a similar modus operandi.

Gardai suspect that the culprits are from the locality and are familiar with the circumstances of people living alone in the area.

"An investigation is in place and a definite line of inquiry is being followed, " Supt Fergus Doggitt said.

Gardai suspect those involved in the attacks are in their late teens or early 20s.