Armed thieves threaten mother and two children in Kildare burglary

A mother and her two children were locked up during an aggravated burglary in their Co Kildare home last night.

The were held hostage by two men who threatened harm to the woman's 14-year-old daughter if their demands were not met.

The family, who live in the Drive in Johnstown Manor noted the WiFi connection wasn't working at around 6pm, and shortly thereafter heard a loud bang.

Two men burst in to the house through the smashed rear patio window. They were carrying screwdrivers and possibly pliers.

The demanded cash and valuables of the mother and threatened to harm her 14-year-old daughter if their demands were not met.

The men were given a sum of cash and then forced the family in to an upstairs bedroom, where they were given more jewellery.

They locked the family in an en suite bathroom, ransacked the house and took more valuables before fleeing the scene.

The ordeal lasted between 35 and 40 minutes.

Gardaí believe the men may have been in contact with a third party via mobile phone for the duration of the time in the house.

The family freed themselves after about 15 minutes and raised the alarm

Anyone with informaton should contact the Gardaí at Naas (045-884-300) or the Garda Confidential Line (1800 666111).