A MANHUNT is underway after three masked men forced their way into a pensioner’s house in rural County Limerick, attacked and assaulted him before stealing a large sum of cash and a shotgun.
Gardaí at Bruff are investigating the aggravated burglary at Ballinahowen, Kilmallock between 11pm on Thursday night and the very early hours of Friday morning.
A 66-year-old man, living alone, was left traumatised by the ordeal and is recovering at home.
The masked men wearing balaclavas and head torches, forced their way into the house where they assaulted the victim and held him captive while they ransacked his house.
A large sum of money and a shotgun were stolen as well as a number of other items.
They locked the man into his house after punching him several times and then stole his mobile phone to prevent him from raising the alarm.
The man managed to escape through a window to a neighbour’s house to contact gardai.
Gardai in Bruff say that the house is located in an isolated area which lies off the Kilmallock to Killdorrery Road. They are appealing for witnesses or anyone who may have noticed any unusual or suspicious activity to contact them at 061 382940 or 1800 666 111.
Meantime, investigations are ongoing into a daytime burglary last Friday at a house in Castletroy where Chinese and Hong Kong banknotes were stolen.
A burglary at a house on the South Circular Road was prevented when three men aged between 29 and 42 and a woman in her mid 20s, were disturbed during the crime.
Gardai patrolling the area apprehended the gang and all four are now before the courts.
Similarly, a burglary in the Johnsgate area of Limerick was stopped when a 23-year-old man was apprehended while he was raiding the house. He is also now before the courts.
