An OAP had to be resuscitated in hospital after a burglary gang broke into his home and beat him to a pulp, smashing an eye socket and some of his ribs.
The 75-year-old was targeted on Tuesday of last week in Sligo when a mob of three invaded his house and attacked him.
Investigators are probing if it was a Dublin gang - who have been on a spree across the northwest - that was behind the violent attack.
The incident happened at around 7pm on January 18 when three men forced their way into a property on the N59, Skreen, Sligo.
They savagely beat the man before making away with just a few hundred euro.
The victim was later rushed unconscious to Sligo University Hospital and had to be revived. He is now stable and recovering from his injuries.
A source said: “It was an awful and savage attack on a completely random and innocent man and he could have easily died only for healthcare workers who saved him.”
Gardai are working to establish who was behind the attack but have met obstacles because the attack occurred in a rural, isolated area.
However, one mob they are looking at is a Dublin city crime gang, run by two brothers, but with over 30 associates.
They are the prime suspects of committing over 200 burglaries across the northwest between August and the end of November.
The gang target cash and jewellery but also have a propensity for violence when they see it as necessary.
One of the ways the thugs work is pouring bleach on their point of entry to the home and also on victims of their attacks.
Gardai are continuing to appeal for witnesses to come forward over the Sligo burglary.
A spokesman said: “They are keen to speak to anyone who was in the Skreen / Dromard area, from 4-8pm on Tuesday, January 18 who may have witnessed anything to come forward.
“They are particularly keen that anyone who may have camera footage from this area at this time - including dash-cam - to make this available to investigating Gardaí.
“Anyone with any information is asked to contact Sligo Garda station on 071 915 7000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.”
