A husband and wife have been tied to chairs with cable ties during an aggravated burglary.

Three armed and masked men entered a house at Donaghbrook Drive in Ballymoney, Co Antrim around 9.40 pm last night, Monday, April 10.

The man, who was in his 70s, was hit on the head by one of the gang.

After tying the couple up, the gang left with a what has been described as a substantial sum of money in a car.

The man managed to break free and released his wife who went to a neighbour’s house.

Her husband was treated in hospital but has since been released.

Det Con Brennan said: “There were also reports of shots fired coming from the Ballybrakes area around this time and I am appealing to anyone who may have heard a sound like shots, to contact us.

“We are also appealing to anyone that may have witnessed any suspicious activity or vehicles in the area to contact detectives.”

Information can be passed to police on the 101 non emergency number or alternatively to Crimestoppers on freephone 0800 555 111.