Retired farmer attacked by three men who broke into his house

Gardaí are investigating an aggravated burglary at the home of an elderly man in rural County Offaly.

It’s understood a retired farmer in his 70s was attacked by three men who broke into his house near Durrow in Offaly, close to the Westmeath border, on Monday at sometime between 8 and 9pm. 

The three young men threatened the man with a knife and demanded money. He was struck a number of times during ordeal, according to a member of the local community alert. 

The man, who didn’t want to be named, said “a man was attacked at about 8.30. Three men broke into his house.” He said, “they did box him around and beat him around.”

The man was taken to hospital by ambulance but is understood to be badly shaken but not badly physically harmed during the ordeal.

It’s not known what was stolen in the burglary. Garda investigations are continuing.