Gardaí are searching for a four-man gang which broke into a house in Co Laois and left a man with serious injuries.
The masked men, who wore black clothing, entered the house in Shaen just before 10pm armed with sledge hammers and screwdrivers. There were three women and one man in the house at the time.
The raiders assaulted all five of the occupants. It is understood the homeowner, a local businessman, sustained the most serious injuries. Three women and another male suffered more minor injuries.
The gang ransacked the house searching for valuables before fleeing on foot with jewellery, cash and other items, gardaí say.
The homeowner was taken to Midlands Regional Hospital for treatment.
Gardaí in Portlaoise are currently trying to track down the gang. A forensic crime team has dusted the property for fingerprints and other evidence.
