A 62-year-old man is today critically ill in hospital after being shot by gunmen who broke into a home.

Police were called to a house on Hinson Lane, Smith's, at 1.35 a.m. today.

A Police spokesman said: "It appears that two unknown men gained entry into a home and demanded money. This resulted in a 62 year old Smith’s parish man being shot.

"He was rushed to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital where he is currently listed in critical condition. An investigation into this incident is underway by the Serious Crime Unit."

Police are appealing for anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in the Hinson Lane/Kilderry Estate area to contact 295-0011 or the confidential Crime Stoppers hotline on 800-623-8477(TIPS).