Vulnerable pensioner threatened with iron bar during robbery

Gardaí have launched an investigation after a pensioner was threatened with an iron bar during an aggravated burglary in his home, early yesterday, on the northside of Cork City.

The 75-year-old victim, who lives alone in a terraced home off Pophams Road in Farranree, was attacked as he slept at around 3am.

It is understood a lone intruder gained access to the house through a window and demanded money.

The raider, who gardaí believe was not masked, physically attacked the man.

But luckily, the pensioner was not physically injured during his ordeal.

The raider fled the scene within a matter of minutes with a quantity of cash believed to be around €200.

The injured man, who locals described as a vulnerably recluse, managed to raise the alarm with neighbours a short time later.

He was taken by ambulance to the Mercy University Hospital where he was still being cared for last night.

Gardaí conducted a forensic examination of the house yesterday and conducted door-to-door inquiries in the area.

Supt Tom Myers appealed to the public for help.

“The suspect entered the home of an elderly man at 3am with an iron bar, and with intent. We are treating this matter very seriously,” he said.

He appealed in particular for anyone who saw anything or anyone acting suspiciously in the Pophams Road area of the city between 2am and 4am early yesterday to contact either Watercourse Road or Mayfield Garda Stations.

Sinn Féin’s Cllr Kenneth Collins, who lives nearby and who knows the victim, said people were shocked and disgusted by the attack.

“I would like to condemn what happened. To do that to an any person is bad enough, but to attack an elderly person in this way — the person responsible must have no morals,” he said.

“People are scared. Neighbours in the area are very fearful of what happened. “I know resources are tight but I would be calling for a greater garda presence in this area,” he said,

In 2007, Gussie Hornibrook, a 74-year-old man who lived alone in nearby Templeacre Ave, died after he was beaten and bound during a robbery in his home. Despite a massive garda investigation, no-one has ever been charged.