A violent assault that left a pensioner in Antrim in critical condition has been condemned as “abhorrent”.
It was reported shortly after 7.30pm on Saturday that a 74-year-old man was approached by a male and female on Station Road in the town where he was attacked.
Police said the pensioner was punched in the head by the male and knocked unconscious. The injured pensioner was taken to hospital for serious head injuries and he remains in critical condition.
A man aged 21 and a woman aged 25 have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and are in custody.
SDLP councillor for the area Roisin Lynch condemned that attack.
“This is a terrible thing to happen to anyone, but to attack a man of 74 years of age in the street and leave him in critical condition in hospital is particularly abhorrent,” she said.
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“My best wishes go out to the man impacted and I hope he makes a quick and full recovery, though this will no doubt have been a traumatising experience.
“People need to feel safe when walking our streets and there is much concern in the local community following this incident. A violent attack in the middle of town on a Saturday evening has rightly shocked people.
“I’d encourage anyone with any information to come forward to police and I commend them for their quick response to this incident.”
The PSNI has also appealed to anyone with any information regarding the incident to contact them on 101, quoting reference 1413 02/11/24.
Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers.