The interim Garda Commissioner has says she is concerned by a number of aggravated burglaries at the homes of restaurateurs in the past week.

The owners of a Chinese restaurant in Dundalk in Co Louth were targeted by a gang of armed men last night.

Three men - two carrying hammers - forced their way into the house at Belfry Gardens at around 7.30.

Three children - aged between 10 and 16 - were brought downstairs to the kitchen where they were locked in a cupboard while two adults were forced to hand over a substantial amount of cash.

The thieves escaped in a white Citreon Berlingo van.

There was a similar incident at the home of another restaurateur in Castleblaney in Co Monaghan last week. A gang forced their way into a family home where they terrorised the family and stole money.

Commissioner Noirin O'Sullivan says the trend is a matter of concern which Gardai are investigating:

“I’m concerned about any particular pattern that’s emerging in terms of crime. Obviously it’s very upsetting for people if their homes are invade and in fairness if their children in particular are put in fright or in terror.

“It’s something that we take extremely seriously and we have a review ongoing at the minute and we have a number of initiatives in place,” Ms O’Sullivan said.