The victim, Tom Niland, remains on life support.

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to come forward following a "horrendous" aggravated burglary and assault in Sligo in January. Three masked men forced their way into Tom Niland's private home in Doonflynn at approximately 7pm on Tuesday, 18 January. The culprits left Tom with serious head and upper body injuries during the course of the burglary. Tom remains in a critical condition and on life support at Sligo University Hospital. Superintendent Mandy Gaynor said on Sunday (13 February) that Gardaí are carrying out a number of searches along the N59 between Doonflynn and Lough Easkey, as "significant evidence connected with the crime has already been recovered along this route." "I am overwhelmed with the significant level of community support and information being received by the investigation team at Sligo Garda Station," Gaynor said. "I am satisfied that progress continues to be made with the investigation to date. We are following specific lines of enquiry, taken numerous statements, secured hours of CCTV footage and continue to liaise with Forensic Science Ireland (FSI). "I am determined that the criminals who carried out this crime will be brought to justice and my Investigation team are working tirelessly to ensure this happens. "I am confident there are still people out there who know who was involved in this aggravated burglary and serious assault on an elderly man in his home. I am asking you to do the right thing and come forward. "Any information that you may have no matter how small or insignificant you think it maybe could be significant to the investigation team. "Any information received will be treated in the strictest confidence." Gaynor asked the public not to be drawn in to fake news on social media about the crime, as "inaccurate and ill-informed speculation is not helpful to the investigation and can generate unease and fear." Gaynor wanted to reassure elderly people that "the callous burglary and level of violence in this incident is very rare. The use of such vicious violence is not a common or regular occurrence." Anyone with any information in relation to this "callous and cowardly" crime is being asked to contact Sligo Garda Station on 071 915 7000, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda station. Niland's family said there was "no real hope" of a recovery following the assault.