Children held captive by gunmen

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The children, one aged 15 and the other two aged eight, were put in their bedroom after two assailants, one carrying a handgun, entered their house in Lisburn, Co Down, Northern Ireland.

The father and mother were held in another part of the house and the father was forced to go to his work at Next in Belfast and hand over cash, totalling "less than £50,000", to the gang.

A police spokesman said the family had been freed.

"While they were not physically harmed, they were very upset by their ordeal," he said.

Police are appealing for information on a car which was used in the robbery. The silver Mitsubishi Charisma, registration number NCZ 7782, was taken from the family's home.

Anyone who saw suspicious activity in the Lagmore area of Lisburn, or saw the Mitsubishi Charisma in the area of Donegall Place and Royal Avenue, is asked to contact detectives.

Police are advising all businesses to ensure they have proper safety measures in place for their staff and premises.

A Next spokeswoman said: "The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) are investigating an incident that occurred in our Belfast Donegall Place store this morning.

"Next is cooperating fully with the ongoing police investigation. At this point in time, our main concern is the welfare and support of the individuals affected by the incident."