North: Neighbour charged with raping pensioner

A neighbour was charged tonight with raping a 72-year-old widow in Co Tyrone.

The suspect, aged 27, will appear before Omagh Magistrates Court tomorrow.

The elderly lady had been subjected to a horrific sex attack at her home in Dromore, police said.

She was in her bedroom when the rape happened early on Sunday morning.

It is understood there was no break-in at the house.

The pensioner was left seriously traumatised by her ordeal.

Amid widespread anger at the assault, SDLP councillor Pat McDonnell said villagers were stunned by what had happened.

“There is a very strong feeling of sympathy and compassion for the lady to undergo such an ordeal at such an advanced age,” he said.

“The people of Dromore are a small and close-knit community. This has just sent a shockwave through them.”

A Police Service of Northern Ireland spokesman confirmed the suspect was due in court in connection with a serious sexual assault.

He added: “The charge relates to an incident alleged to have taken place in Dromore, Co Tyrone, in the early hours of Sunday.”