A masked gang tied up and threatened an elderly couple with a hatchet and hammer before making off with their savings.
The husband and wife, in their late 70s, were bound up when at least three men broke into their home at Corballymore, near Tramore in Co Waterford, last night.
After threatening the terrified pair, the men fled with their savings.
The woman managed to free herself and alerted her neighbours, who contacted the gardai.
Neither was physically hurt but they were understood to be upset over the ordeal, which began around 9pm.
The men in the gang hid their face behind scarves and baseball hats.
Gardaí confirmed they were investigating an aggravated burglary.
Garda technical experts have carried out a forensic examination of the scene.
PA