More than three burglaries a day took place at pensioners' homes in Northern Ireland during a four-month period this year, according to the police.

Statistics show that 421 homes of people over the age of 65 were broken into between April and July.

In the latest incident, a 74-year-old County Down woman was treated for shock after being assaulted by two men who broke into her bedroom.

The woman - who is paralysed on one side of her body after suffering a stroke - was in bed at her Helen's Bay home at about 2200 BST on Sunday when two men came into the room.

One attacker held her down in the bed while the second asked her for money and ransacked drawers in the room.

Police appeal

The woman, who lives alone, was not injured but was treated for shock.

The men left the house empty-handed before driving away in a silver car.

One of the men is described as being aged between 16 and 20, while the other man is thought to be in his 50s.

Detective Inspector Todd Clements appealed for anyone with information about the attack to come forward.

"How would you feel if your 74-year-old mother or grandmother was attacked in such a way?" he said.

"It's a despicable act, and no-one can condone it."

A charity which campaigns on behalf of older people is organising a march in Belfast next week to call for action to protect the more vulnerable members of society.

Anne O'Reilly from Help The Aged said the protest was a reflection of the anger and frustration felt by elderly victims of attacks.

"We wish there were steps taken across the board to help elderly people in their own homes," she said.