Pensioner (82) attacked and robbed for just €300

Gardai have launched a major investigation after the aggravated burglary at the pensioner's home yesterday evening. She was alone at her home in Clonmore, Edenderry, Co Offaly when the burglar climbed through a rear window at around 7.15pm. He attacked her and demanded cash.

BARBARIC

Tullamore based Inspector Kieran Keyes described the incident as a "barbaric crime" and said the woman was "highly traumatised" following the attack.

Inspector Keyes said there was a "sinister element" to the incident as the assailant had ripped a security pendant from around the woman's neck during the attack.

Having assaulted and terrified the lady, her attacker fled the scene with around €300 in cash. The woman was shaken after her ordeal and was treated by medical staff at the scene. She stayed with a family member last night.

Gardai are looking for a man aged between 18-20 years of age, with short dark hair and tanned skin.

The man who is between 5ft 5in and 5ft 8in tall, was wearing a black jacket and spoke with a midlands accent.

Door to door enquiries are under way in the area and gardai are examining the scene of the crime.

Officers were unable to say whether the man had been operating alone.

In light of the incident, Inspector Keyes urged members of the public to regularly check in on their elderly neighbours and relatives.

hnews@herald.ie