Gardaí in Co Louth are investigating an aggravated burglary at a house in Dundalk last night.
Three men, two armed with hammers, forced their way into the house at Belfry Gardens at around 7.30pm.
Three children, aged between 10 and 16, were brought downstairs to the kitchen while two adults were brought to a bedroom and forced to hand over a substantial amount of cash.
Gardaí in Dundalk are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to contact them.