Gardai in County Roscommon are investigating an aggravated burglary in which a 94 year old woman and her family were held hostage in their home.
The terrifying incident occurred around 1am on Monday morning near Ballintubber and resulted in one of those in the house being injured during the incident. It is understood he did not need medical attention.
The six person masked gang gained entry to the premises, which is attached to their family business, and repeatedly threatened the elderly woman and her two sons who were held hostage in a room as they ransacked their home.
The gang were armed with screwdrivers and other weapons and left with a sum of cash.
It is understood the victims have been left “deeply traumatised” by their horrific ordeal.
Gardai are working on the assumption that the burglary may have been the work of an organised crime gang who wrongfully assumed there was a large amount of cash on the premises as the family own a convenience store that is located adjacent to their family home.
Gardaí in Castlerea are appealing to any person who was in the area of Ashpark, Ballintubber between 10.30pm on Sunday night, 21st August 2022 and 12.30am on Monday morning, 22nd August 2022 to contact them.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Castlerea Garda Station on 094 962 1630 or the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111.
Investigations are ongoing.
