Gardaí are investigating an aggravated burglary at a house in Dundalk, Co Louth 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.

They were then forced to hand over a substantial amount of cash.

Gardaí in Dundalk are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to contact them.

It is the second attack on the home of a Chinese restaurateur in the past week.