DETECTIVES are hunting armed and masked men over an aggravated burglary.

The terrifying incident happened at a house in the Lyttlesdale area of Garvagh on the evening of Tuesday 30th September.

The senior investigating officer, Detective Chief Inspector Catherine Magee said: “It was reported to police that at around 8pm on Tuesday evening, five masked men, armed with screwdrivers and iron bars, and claiming to belong to a paramilitary organisation, entered the home of an elderly couple in the Lyttlesdale area.

“They ransacked the house before making off with a sum of money. The couple were not physically harmed by the intruders but were left badly shaken.

“Enquiries into this incident are ongoing and I would appeal to anyone who noticed any suspicious activity in the area or with any information which may be of assistance to our investigation to contact CID in Coleraine on the non emergency number 101.

“Information can also be passed to us anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”