A pensioner is recovering after a vicious attack at his home in South Belfast on Tuesday night.
The victim, who didn’t wish to be named, was reportedly attacked with a glass ashtray at his property in Sandy Row after 9pm.
He was left covered in blood and deeply shaken up.
A community representative who visited the victim said he remained in shock on Wednesday afternoon and added that the tight-knit community in Sandy Row has also been left angered.
Trevor Greer, from Belfast South Community Resources, told Belfast Live: “He was out for a while last night, he went back to his home. At about 9pm the bell went, he let the person in and whoever it was attacked him.
“As far as I know they hit him with a heavy glass ashtray on the head. He’s been left with staples in his head, he is heavily bruised and swollen.
“The fact he is a pensioner is one of the worst things. It’s just horrible. He couldn’t have defended himself.”
Mr Greer added that the man is “well-known and well-respected”.
He said: “He’s lived in Sandy Row all his life. He doesn’t make enemies, he’s a decent fella. He wouldn’t pass you in the street without saying hello.
“He’s really sore. He’s annoyed that somebody would do it. It was only 9pm last night and it hasn’t really sunk in how close he was to being dead. Getting hit on the head like he did is very dangerous.
“We’re going to get him some extra locks on his doors and do everything we can. This community is very angry. They’re stunned that this could actually happen.”
Police are investigating the incident.
Inspector Pollock said: “I would appeal to anyone with information, or who noticed anything suspicious in the area at that time, to contact us on 101, quoting reference number 2256 of 23/07/19.”
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