GARDAI in Ballyshannon are investigating an attempted robbery in a private house close to the town on Sunday night/Monday morning.

Three masked men forced their way into the house at Cavangarden around midnight on Sunday night.

They demanded money from the householder who is believed to be in his 40s. When no money was handed over, the gang tied up the occupier, stole his jeep and made their getaway.

He managed to free himself and raised the alarm at around 4.30 am. The jeep was later found burnt out just across the border.

Gardai are appealing for anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area to contact them at 071 9851102.