POLICE are appealing for information after a man in his 70s was shot five times in his Co. Derry home.
The attack, which was carried out by a number of masked men, occurred in the Coleraine area shortly after 7.50pm on Thursday evening.
“It’s absolutely appalling that an elderly person should be attacked in their own home in this way,” said Detective Inspector Lavery of the PSNI.
Police responded to a report that a number of men wearing balaclavas had broken into a residential property in the Ballygallin Park area of Coleraine and assaulted the resident, a man aged in his 70s.
“When the man was taken to hospital for treatment, it was established that he had been shot five times in the arm and legs,” said DI Lavery.
“He had also sustained injuries to his head and torso.
“At this time, the injuries he received are thankfully not thought to be life-threatening.”
He added: “There is no place in our society for vigilantism and we are fortunate that the outcome was not much more serious.
“Our enquiries are at an early stage and we would appeal for anyone with information in relation to this incident to contact us.”
Anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious, or has camera footage that could assist the investigation, is asked to call 101, quoting reference number 1450 of January 30.
Information can also be given anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.