THE son of an elderly man who was tied up in a burglary at his Portadown home on Sunday says his father has been left "petrified".
The 87-year-old was threatened by three masked men who entered the house on the Derrylettiff Road just before 8.30pm.
His daughter, who is described as vulnerable, was also in the house in the rural area and has been extremely shaken by the ordeal.
The men demanded money and after ransacking a number of rooms and failing to find any they took a small amount of cash from the pensioner's wallet.
They also removed a Sim card from a mobile phone and broke another.
The gang was disturbed by a neighbour who had called in to visit.
"The gang had a look-out and when he saw the neighbour coming, they all ran off," the man who did not want to be named said.
"There was no sign of a car but there were muddy footprints in the house and when my neighbour came into the house he found my dad and sister and phoned 999."
He added: "We are so thankful the neighbour arrived when he did, or it could have turned into a lengthy, bad ordeal for my father.
"He has multiple health problems, and they were very aggressive to him and were threatening him if he didn't give them a substantial amount of money.
"They had the rope with them which they used to tie his hands so they came here for a purpose. And my sister was left a complete and utter mess, just in floods of tears.
"My father has lived her for 50-odd years and has never had a button of bother. He follows the advice given to older people and doesn't keep money in the house."
The elderly man had opened the door to let the dog out after it began barking and it is understood the men came in afterwards.
Joe Garvey, chairman of Richmount Rural Community Association, which is based on the same road and runs a group for older people, condemned the incident.
"Homes in rural areas are very vulnerable to burglaries and all we can be is vigilant but at all times try to ensure our personal safety," said.
"Through our Richmount Elders group we will continue to reinforce the message of taking precautions against burglaries and looking out for each other."
Police have appealed for information.
