Police in east Belfast are hunting for a gang of three men who robbed a 95-year-old woman in her home last night.
The woman, who lives alone, was confronted by the gang in her home in Orby Drive, Castlereagh at around 9.30 p.m. by the robbers.
The men, who had broken in through a rear kitchen window, stole a small amount of money.
The victim, who was physically unharmed, was extremely distressed by the incident and was treated for shock in hospital.
Police have appealed for witnesses to contact them.
East Belfast UUP MLA Mr Michael Copeland described the incident as a "stomach-churning and despicable" act.
"There are, unfortunately, a number of groups of robbers who see the elderly and most vulnerable as rich pickings," he said. "These people are the dregs of society and need to be caught quickly."