88-year-old attacked days after losing partner by pair 'looking for cancer drugs'

Q Radio News

An 88-year-old Banbridge man assaulted at the weekend in what police are calling a despicable aggravated burglary has been speaking about his ordeal.

Tommy McDowell tells Q Radio the incident happened on Saturday night, just a week after he lost his partner of 29 years, Eileen.

The pensioner was pinned to his bed in Granville Gardens by the masked intruders, but they fled when he fought back:

Banbridge police appeal for information after a "nasty, despicable attack" on 88-year-old Tommy McDowell - a week after he lost his partner of 29 years, Eileen. We hear from Tommy next. 1/4 pic.twitter.com/GbmfYXSuXD

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) February 21, 2021

🎥 88-year-old Tommy McDowell, who was attacked last night after a man and a teenager forced their way into his home at Granville Gardens in Banbridge.

The pensioner was pinned to his bed during the ordeal, but fought back - and the intruders fled:
2/4 pic.twitter.com/RKMxjqJjPa

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) February 21, 2021

Tommy was treated for the cuts and bruises in hospital, is now being looked after by family members and won't be able to return home.

🎥 Tommy McDowell was taken to hospital after a struggle in his Banbridge home on Saturday night as he tried to defend himself against two masked intruders. The 88-year-old wasn't impressed by the culprits, but heaped praise on the #NHS hero who treated him: 3/4 pic.twitter.com/KGObRfmfeS

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) February 21, 2021

Family and friends fear Tommy was deliberately targeted by thieves looking for drugs.

His beloved Eileen died of cancer and it's suspected the intruders were aware of that through a death notice, arriving at Granville Gardens thinking strong cancer drugs would still be in the house - they weren't.

🎥 Last week, Gary Humphries buried his mother, Eileen. Last night, his mum's partner, Tommy McDowell, was assaulted in their Banbridge home by masked intruders looking for drugs. It's the latest attack on older people in the area. Gary says it has to stop:

4/4

More on air am. pic.twitter.com/OG8LQGIgzS

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) February 21, 2021

The raiders left empty-handed in the end as they soon discarded a wallet with £10 and two portable phones they had taken from the house.

Tommy McDowell with his hand bruised in the attack holding a picture of his late partner, Eileen.

🎥 Heartbreaking.

Outrage over an attack on 88-year-old Banbridge man Tommy McDowell - a week after he lost his partner of 29 years. He was injured and won't be able to return home. But his thoughts are with his beloved Eileen:

More on air on the hour & https://t.co/boX2EdCtC7 pic.twitter.com/8ranuHOQNr

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) February 22, 2021

A man has been arrested following the burglary.

The 47 year-old suspect has been arrested on suspicion of burglary and assault.

He remains in police custody.