A man in his 70s has been put on life support after being brutally assaulted in an aggravated burglary in Sligo.
Gardaí are appealing for witnesses after “a vicious and cowardly aggravated burglary and assault” which stunned the local community.
At approximately 7pm, Tuesday 18th January 2022 three masked men, forced their way into the home of Thomas Niland, a 73 year old bachelor, in Skreen, Sligo. Thomas was home alone watching TV. He answered a knock to his front door and was immediately and viciously assaulted. The culprits made off with a small sum of money and left Tom with serious head and upper body injuries.
Tom, despite these serious injuries, managed to crawl from his home and alert passing motorists. Gardaí were then alerted by his neighbour. He was transferred to Sligo University Hospital, however his condition has deteriorated significantly. Gardaí say Tom is now in a critical condition and on life support.
Superintendent Mandy Gaynor, Sligo Garda Station appealed, “There are people out there who know who was involved in this aggravated burglary and serious assault on an elderly man in his home. Thomas Niland and his family deserve to have these criminals who carried out this heartless act brought to Justice.
“If you have any information on this callous and cowardly crime please contact Sligo Garda Station on 071 915 7000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.”
Gardaí are appealing for any person with any information on this aggravated burglary and assault to contact them immediately. Gardaí are appealing to every person who was driving along the N59 (Sligo/ Ballina Road), in the Skreen area, on Tuesday 18th January between 4pm – 8pm, who may have dashcam or any other video footage to get in contact. Gardaí are appealing for any person, who noticed any activity by persons or vehicles which drew their attention, in the wider N59 Skreen locality to contact Gardaí with that information, whether you think it is related to this investigation or not.
