A family of five was terrorised by armed intruders in the early hours of Tuesday in a home invasion that occurred near the residence of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, located at SS Erin Road, Phillipine.

According to police reports, the victims, a 53-year-old farmer, his 47-year-old wife who is a market vendor, two daughters aged 21 and 17, and a 23-year-old son, were awakened around 3a.m. by loud noises and voices shouting “Police! Police!” Five masked men, all armed with firearms, entered the home, bound the hands and legs of the family with tie straps and duct tape, and ransacked the residence.

The intruders reportedly stole multiple high-end smartphones, jewellery, and an undisclosed amount of cash in both Trinidad & Tobago and US currency before fleeing the scene on foot.