Elderly woman threatened during Co Offaly burglary

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses following an aggravated burglary at the home of an elderly woman in Co Offaly yesterday evening.

The 82-year-woman was alone in her home at Clonmore, Edenderry when an assailant climbed through a rear window, attacked her and demanded cash at about 7.15pm.

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

Insp Keyes said there was a “sinister element” to the attack as the assailant had ripped a security pendant from around the woman’s neck during the attack.

Having assaulted and terrified the woman, her attacker fled the scene with about €300 in cash. Gardai have not ruled out the possibility that a vehicle may have been used in the attack.

The woman was very shaken after her ordeal and was treated by medical staff at the scene. She stayed with a family member last night.

Gardaí are looking for a man aged between 18-20 years of age, with short dark hair and tanned skin. The man who is between 165cm and 173cm in height, was wearing a black jacket and spoke with a midland accent.

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

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

Insp Keyes urged members of the public to regularly check in on their elderly neighbours and relatives.

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed anything suspicious in the Clonmore in Edenderry area between 6pm and 9pm yesterday.

Anyone with information can contact Tullamore Garda station on (057) 93 27600 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.