A manhunt is ongoing on an island off the west coast after an elderly man was assaulted and robbed in his home last night.

The incident happened on Arranmore Island at around 8pm when an intruder entered the man's home, man-handled him and made off with a sum of money

The man, who is aged in 80s, avoided sustaining any serious physical injuries.

Superintendent David Kelly told Highland Radio it is likely that the person responsible remains on the island.

"It’s a very unusual development for something like this to happen on the island of Arranmore, number one," he said.

"And number two, it gives me great concern that something like that would happen in an island which would be difficult to get on and off [of].

"I am aware, for example, the time after this incident last night, there were no more ferries sailing,

"So I would maybe that anyone resident on the island that has seen anybody acting suspiciously prior to of after eight o'clock last night, or indeed overnight, to please contact the guards at Milford Garda Station."