Elderly man dies in hospital days after being injured in violent assault in Antrim

An elderly man who was the victim of a serious assault in Co Antrim at the weekend has died.

Anthony 'Tony' Miskimmon, 74, was left in a critical condition after he was punched in the head and knocked unconscious on Station Road in Antrim town shortly after 7.30pm on Saturday evening (November 2).

The 74-year-old was taken to hospital for treatment for serious head injuries following the incident where he has since passed away.

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A 21-year-old man has been charged in connection with the incident and appeared before Coleraine Magistrates on Monday (November 4). The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said all charges, including any additional charges, will be reviewed by the PPS in due course.

Detective Inspector Sean Armstrong offered his condolences to Mr Miskimmon's family as he urged anyone with any information in relation to the incident to come forward.

"I would like to offer my deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Tony at this very sad time," he said in a statement.

"Our enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding Tony’s death and I would appeal to anyone who was in the area of Station Road, Antrim on Saturday 2nd November between 7pm and 8pm and may have witnessed this incident, or has any other information that would assist with our enquiries to please get in touch."

Anyone who was in the area and who witnessed the incident or captured dash-cam or CCTV footage which could assist with police enquiries is asked to contact detectives in Antrim on 101, quoting reference 1413 02/11/24.

Trevor Clarke, DUP MLA for South Antrim, shared his condolences with the victim's family and friends and commended the swift action of the police. He said: “Following the serious assault that occurred on Station Road in Antrim on Saturday, I am devastated to learn that the 74-year-old victim has unfortunately passed away from his injuries.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the gentleman's family and friends at this tragic time.

“I commend the PSNI on their swift actions in making arrests. As the case is now going through the judicial process, I won't comment further, except to express my hope that the courts will handle this case promptly."

Pam Cameron, MLA for South Antrim, has urged any witnesses to the assault to come forward.

"I am profoundly saddened by the death Anthony “Tony” Miskimmon who was attacked in Antrim on November 2nd," she said in a statement.

"My thoughts are with his family and friends during this tragic time.

"This senseless violence has no place in our community. I encourage anyone with information regarding this abhorrent incident to make that information available to PSNI."

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