A MAN IN his 20s has been arrested following an aggravated burglary at a house in Ballinasloe, Co Galway in the early hours of this morning.

The incident happened shortly before 2am this morning at a house on Jubilee Street in the town.

Gardaí say a man forced his way into the home of an 80-year-old man and assaulted him. The raider then brought the pensioner a bank machine on Dunlo Street, where he attempted to force him to withdraw cash. A member of the public who happened to be passing, intervened and the attacker fled.

Gardaí subsequently arrested a man in his 20s following an investigation into the incident. He is detained at Ballinasloe Garda Station under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984.

The elderly victim was taken to Portiuncula Hospital where he was treated for minor injuries. He has since been released.

Gardaí are asking anyone who was in the Jubilee Street or Dunlo Street areas of Ballinasloe between 2am and 3am on Saturday morning, to contact them at Ballinasloe Garda Station on 090 9631890.