The family of a 74-year-old man struck with a crossbow bolt while fixing a satellite dish on his home have appealed to the public for information after the “highly unusual” shooting.
Gerald Corrigan was wounded at the house on the outskirts of Holyhead in north Wales shortly before 12.35am on Friday.
He managed to stagger inside the property before an ambulance was called, and he was taken to hospital in Bangor where his condition was described as critical.
Welsh police said Mr Corrigan had since been transferred to a hospital in Stoke due to the serious nature of the injuries.
One line of police inquiry is that the pensioner may have been accidentally shot by a “lamper” – one of the rogue, night-time hunters known to use bright lights to shoot animals in the countryside. Lampers have reportedly been operating in the area recently, according to local residents.
In a statement issued through North Wales Police, Mr Corrigan’s family said: “This is a horrific incident that has happened to our family.
“We cannot think of anybody who may have wanted to hurt our father and dear partner. We are trying to come to terms with this shocking incident.
“If anybody has any information at all about what has happened, however small, please come forward to the police.
The family added: “We would like to pay tribute to the ambulance service and medical staff for the incredible work they have done. We remain hopeful and request privacy at this difficult time.”
Police are continuing to appeal for information about the “highly unusual” incident, which occurred near the junction of Porthdafarch Road and Plas Road.
Detectives said they want to speak to anybody who may have been near South Stack Road between 6pm on Thursday and 4am on Friday.
They also urged neighbours in the remote area who may have private security camera footage to come forward, as well as anyone who travelled on nearby South Stack Road who has dash-cam footage.
On Saturday, police said they are also keen to hear from anyone involved in either lamping, hunting and game or pest control in the South Stack area of Holyhead.
Anyone with information should call North Wales Police on 101, or via live webchat, quoting reference number X052857.
Additional reporting by PA
