Man (79) has life savings stolen in violent robbery

Burglary took place in Gurranabraher area of Cork city on Sunday morning

Investigating gardaí are keen to speak to anyone who was in the vicinity of Boyce’s Street or neighbouring streets around 6.30am-9am. Photograph: Niall Carson/PA Wire
Investigating gardaí are keen to speak to anyone who was in the vicinity of Boyce’s Street or neighbouring streets around 6.30am-9am. Photograph: Niall Carson/PA Wire

A 79-year-old man had his life savings stolen in a violent burglary in Cork on Sunday morning.

His sister, who is 83, sustained a minor knife wound to her hand in the burglary at the man’s home in sheltered accommodation in the city.

It is understood the burglary occurred at the male victim’s home and that his sister became caught up in it when she went to visit him.

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses following the aggravated burglary at the property in the Gurranabraher area of Cork city.

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The incident took place shortly after 7.30am, when the brother and sister disturbed a male intruder during a burglary at the house on Boyce’s Street.

The intruder left the scene on foot with the man’s life savings and his sister’s hand-bag, which contained a significant sum of money.

Both victims were treated at the scene by emergency services; their injuries are described as non-life-threatening.

The burglar ripped out the phoneline in the premises to prevent them calling for help during the ordeal, which lasted about 45 minutes. Both victims are currently being treated in Mercy Hospital.

Investigating gardaí have appealed for information and say they are keen to speak with anyone who was in the vicinity of Boyce’s Street or neighbouring streets between 6.30am and 9am who may have witnessed anything.

They are also appealing to road users with video footage from the Gurranabraher area between those times, to make it available to them.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Gurranabraher Garda station on 021-4946200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800-666111, or any Garda station.

Paul Cullen

Paul Cullen

Paul Cullen is a former heath editor of The Irish Times.