Vigil for critically ill victim

Residents met at a prayer vigil on Monday evening

People living in Ballykinler in County Down have called for more to be done to tackle crime in the area.

Residents met at a prayer vigil on Monday evening for a man left critically ill after an attack at his home.

Francis Doherty, who is in his 60s, has been on a life support machine since he was beaten up over a week ago.

Local man Patrick Smith said people were frightened and he called for the community to show solidarity.

"First and foremost, our prayers are with him and this is why we are gathered here in the hope that he does pull through," Mr Smith said.

"There has been increased burglarly and intimidation and people are living in fear in this past few months, so this is a show of strength to rid this out of society."

Mr Doherty was found on Sunday 16 March at a house at Commons Road in Ballykinler. He had suffered a serious head injury.