An elderly man was attacked by three men who called at his home in Downpatrick, Co Down.
The pensioner was treated in hospital after the overnight incident.
The masked intruders broke their way into their victim's cottage with a sledgehammer, and forced him to the ground before tying his hands and his feet.
The raiders then ransacked the house before escaping with what police said was a substantial sum of money.
READ MORE
The householder, who is in his 60s, was treated for cuts and bruises to his face and arms.
His disabled sister, who was at home at the time, was uninjured, but said to be distressed.
PA