Gardaí have said that progress continues to be made in the investigation into the assault and robbery of Tom Niland in Sligo on 18 January.
Superintendent Mandy Gaynor said that gardaí are following specific lines of inquiry in the investigation and reiterated her appeal for information.
Supt Gaynor was speaking as gardaí, Sligo Civil Defence and local volunteers carried out searches today in connection with the ongoing investigation.
Mr Niland, 73, was attacked in his home in Skreen and remains in hospital in Sligo with serious head and upper body injuries.
Supt Gaynor said Mr Niland remains in a critical condition on life-support.
Around 50 volunteers began gathering at Foy's Garage just outside Dromore West from before 8am and were briefed by gardaí prior to heading out to search along the N59 and in the vicinity of Lough Easkey.
Gardaí and civil defence volunteers trained in search techniques led three search parties after the briefing, while gardaí carried out a separate search on the main road.
Supt Gaynor said gardaí have been overwhelmed by the significant amount of help received since their appeal last Sunday and she said gardaí are determined that those responsible will be caught.
She said there are still people out there with information and she appealed to them to do the right thing.
The superintendent said she was aware this crime has ignited debate and triggered fear, but she appealed to people to not be taken in by "fake news", especially on social media.
Crimes with this level of violence are very rare, she said, and added that they are not a common or regular occurrence.
Supt Gaynor said gardaí are working closely with the local community and there is strength in numbers and unity.
Local Civil Defence Commander Paddy Sheridan said that people have probably never felt as vulnerable as they do at the minute.
He said these type of attacks take place in isolated areas, but they never considered themselves isolated on the N59, the main artery between Ballina and Sligo.
Gardaí have said that progress continues to be made in the investigation into the assault and robbery of Tom Niland in Sligo on 18 January. | More: https://t.co/SYmvXk4fmW pic.twitter.com/VLfFUHaVkW
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Sean Rowlette, one of the volunteers involved in the search, said the attack on Mr Niland was a serious attack on one of their senior citizens and it could have been any of their mothers or fathers or loved ones.
Asked why he volunteered today, Mr Rowlette said that people are terrified in the area and their minds will only be at ease if those responsible are caught.
The searches were supported by the Garda Mounted unit, Garda Dog Unit and Garda Water Unit.
Supt Gaynor said the searches were carried out along the N59, from Mr Niland's house to Dromore West and from there to Lough Easkey.
Previous searches in this area have uncovered significant evidence, she said, and the purpose of today's searches is to identify and recover any further evidence.
