A 97-year old man who was injured after confronting a gang of four burglars has suffered a
suspected heart attack in hospital, his son said today.
The pensioner from west Belfast was initially brought to hospital for treatment to cuts and
bruises he sustained in the incident yesterday afternoon.
His son, who asked that the family name not be disclosed, said his father's condition
deteriorated rapidly after being admitted.
The elderly man struggled with the gang when he discovered them ransacking upstairs
rooms in his house in Andersonstown Park, Ballymurphy at around 1.30pm.
His son arrived at the home just as his attackers were making off. West Belfast assembly member Alex Attwood hailed the pensioner's bravery.
"I have every sympathy with the 97-year-old man whose house was ransacked," he said. "His courage is in stark contrast to the cowardice shown by his attackers. The subsequent reported ill-health of the victim only serves to confirm that everyone should look out for the vulnerable and elderly members of the community.
"Any information relating to this incident must be reported to the police and it is essential
the culprits are identified." Detectives are asking anyone with information or who may have
seen a grey or silver vehicle in the area to come forward.
PA