Statement from Anne and Alan Looney:
"We feel really traumatised by what has happened. We are very simple people leading a very simple life and find it hard to comprehend that something like this could happen to us. It's is hard to imagine ever feeling safe again.
"We need some space and time to come to terms with what has happened and to look after ourselves, but we also acknowledge that what happened has affected so many lives, not just ours. We expect that his family are going through a trauma of their own.
"The commitment from the police, St John, Victim Support, social workers; everyone has been fantastic and the support from the community has been overwhelming; the phone has apparently been ringing off the hook with people wishing us well.
"We have very strong support from family and friends, and even people that don't know us all that well have been marvellous. That's what will get us through.
"For now we ask for some privacy."
ENDS
Ed's note: The Looney family have specifically requested that media not approach them or their family as they have no further comment to make at this time. They are now recuperating from their injuries after being discharged from hospital.