ALERT: Manhunt underway after masked men force their way into rural Carlow home
Gardai say culprits tried to tie victim's wrists together but were unsuccessful
Gardaí in Carlow are appealing for information after four masked men entered a private home in Clonogan, Clonegal earlier this week.
At approximately 5.45pm on Wednesday, members of the detective unit responded to a call at an address in that area.
According to gardai, the lone occupant of the house received a knock on the door and upon opening the door, was confronted by four masked men, who then forcefully entered his home.
The four men are described as being in their 20s with one possibly being a bit older than the others. All wore scarfs around their faces, and they are described as having full heads of hair, but cut tightly.
The group are believed to have "normal" accents, and were wearing dark clothing at the time of the incident.
Making an appeal for information on KCLR, Sergeant Conor Egan said: "It was traumatic enough for the loan occupant in that they attempted to tie his wrists together but were unsuccessful, at which point they directed him to a room in the house and locked him inside before they made good their escape.
At this time, Gardaí in Carlow believe the only property the thieves managed to get away with was a mobile phone and a torch.
However, the phone was subsequently recovered in a field adjacent to the house.
Fortunately, the injured party did not suffer any serious physical harm and did not require medical attention.
Investigating gardaí believe the culprits had transport and that they may have headed in the direction of Clonegal village, which is approximately a mile from where the incident occurred.
They are appealing to anyone who was in Clonegal, particularly in the town of Clonogan, on Wednesday evening, November 6, between 5.30pm and 6.30pm, and who may have seen anything of a suspicious nature to contact them..
They are also appealing to anyone travelling along the N80, between Bunclody, and Ballon, around the time of the incident, to come forward. CCTV or dashcam footage would be of help.
The burglary was the second violent incident to take place locally this week, with something of similar nature occurring in Castlecomer, County Kilkenny.
While it is not yet known if the incidents are linked, Sergeant Conor Egan confirmed on KCLR that they most certainly will be linking in with gardai in Kilkenny.
Anybody with information to share or who noticed suspicious activity is asked to contact Carlow garda station 059 913 66 20.