<p>
	An elderly man was assaulted by a gang armed with hurleys while his wife was held hostage during a robbery at their home.</p>
<p>
	The retired couple, both in their 70s, were subjected to the terrifying ordeal after three men broke into their Wicklow home in the early hours.</p>
<p>
	The shocking incident occurred shortly after 3.45am on Thursday in Killoughther, near Ashford village.</p>
<p>
	It&#39;s understood that the 75-year-old male homeowner was brutally attacked with a hurley by one of the robbers, after they pulled the couple out of bed and caused extensive damage to the home in their hunt for valuables.</p>
<p>
	He was left shaken after the incident and suffered minor injuries.</p>
<p>
	The men, two of who wore balaclavas, made their getaway a short time later with a small amount of cash and a diamond engagement ring.</p>
<p>
	Gardai believe that two men arrested after a high-speed chase in Tallaght at 8am yesterday are responsible for the crime.</p>
<p>
	It is understood that hurleys were found in the stolen Audi A6, which was taken from the Irishtown area earlier that afternoon. The men, both in their 20s, are believed to be well-known to gardai for aggravated burglary and other serious offences.</p>
<p>
	Both men were taken to Tallaght garda station for questioning.</p>
<p>
	<a href="http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/thieves-attack-elderly-victim-with-hurleys-31063003.html">http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/thieves-attack-elderly-victim-with-hurleys-31063003.html</a></p>
