DETECTIVES have released two people they arrested for questioning about the attempted murder of an elderly disabled man during a violent burglary.

Eugene Carr, who is in his 70s, was stabbed and beaten as he lay in bed in his house at Clogharevan Park, Bessbrook, Co Armagh, on Monday, August 31.

Police believe the gang may have used a hook to stab the victim.

He was rushed critically ill to Daisy Hill hospital in Newry but later transferred to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast. His condition is now stable.

The 25-year-old woman and a 26-year-old man who were arrested in Newry on Friday and taken to Ardmore police station have now been released on bail pending further inquiries.