Shot fired and couple injured in Killean robbery

by Brónagh Murphy

A Killean couple sustained significant injuries when they attempted to fend off intruders to their home on Friday night.

Shortly before 11.30pm, two masked men, one of whom was armed with a handgun or starting pistol, forced their way into the family’s home on the Killean School Road.

During a struggle with the homeowner, a shot was fired.  The homeowner suffered a broken hand while his wife sustained a head injury.  Both were treated in Daisy Hill Hospital for their injuries.

The couple’s 11-year-old daughter was in the house at the time.  Although not injured, she has been left traumatised by the ordeal.

The burglars escaped with a sum of cash and the family’s car, a black Volkswagen Passat.

Detectives in Newry have appealed for witnesses to this robbery to contact them on 0845 600 8000.

Sinn Féin’s Packie McDonald says the perpetrators of such a crime are not welcome in the community.

“The thugs responsible seemed to be willing to go to any length to rob this family’s home. I would utterly condemn this incident and urge anyone in the area at the time to come forward immediately,” Councillor McDonald said.

“I understand that a young child was in the house at the time of this violent robbery. No child should be forced to witness such a terrifying, violent incident.  The perpetrators of this crime are not welcome in our community.”