The family of a man who was shot with a crossbow outside his home has appealed for information about the attack.

Gerald Corrigan, 74, remains in a critical condition in hospital after he was struck with an arrow while adjusting a satellite dish in a secluded property on the outskirts of Holyhead, north Wales, shortly before 12.35am on Friday.

He staggered inside his home before an ambulance was called and he was taken to hospital in Bangor. He has since been transferred to Stoke because of the severity of his injuries.

One line of inquiry being pursued by police is that Corrigan may have been accidentally shot by a lamper – a night-time hunter who uses bright lights to target animals.

In a statement issued through North Wales police, his family said: “This is a horrific incident that has happened to our family. We cannot think of anybody who may have wanted to hurt our father and dear partner. We are trying to come to terms with this shocking incident.

“If anybody has any information at all about what has happened, however small, please come forward to the police. We would like to pay tribute to the ambulance service and medical staff for the incredible work they have done. We remain hopeful and request privacy at this difficult time.”

Police are continuing to appeal for information about the “highly unusual” incident, which occurred near the junction of Porthdafarch Road and Plas Road.

Detectives said they want to speak to anybody who may have been in the vicinity of nearby South Stack Road between 6pm on Thursday and 4am on Friday. They also urged neighbours in the remote area who may have private CCTV to come forward, as well as anyone who travelled on South Stack Road and has dashcam footage.

On Saturday, police said they were also keen to hear from anyone involved in either lamping, hunting and game or pest control in the South Stack area of Holyhead. Lampers have reportedly been operating in the area recently, according to locals.

Anybody who can assist the investigation should contact North Wales police on 101, or via the live webchat quoting reference number X052857.