Armed thieves forced entry to the home of an Inverness businessman before making off with a large sum of cash after holding the man at gunpoint.
Ronnie Dyce and his wife were in the house on Oldtown Road on Saturday evening during the terrifying incident.
There were also children in the house at the time of the alleged incident.
Sources close to the family described yesterday how three men – who they believe were armed with a gun and hammers – forced entry to the family home before demanding cash.
Mr Dyce’s wife suffered minor injuries as a result.
A major police investigation has been launched and yesterday officers investigating the robbery appealed for witnesses to make contact.
A senior officer revealed that they believe the incident to be “targeted”.
Mr Dyce owns Cafe V8 and scrap metal merchants HRL in the city.
It is understood he has offered a “substantial” reward for information which could help catch the culprits.
The incident unfolded after Mr Dyce and his wife returned home on Saturday evening.
The source described how shortly after they got back, thieves wearing masks and scarves over their faces forced their way in.
They demanded money and Mr Dyce handed over a sum of cash at gunpoint.
It is understood that Mr Dyce managed to chase the men away and police are said to be examining items which are alleged to have been left behind.
The source said that one of the men had gone upstairs in the house and the Dyces did not know that he was there until he fled with the others.
Mrs Dyce suffered bruising and other minor injuries after falling as the thieves left.
The family source said that, although the Dyces had suffered no lasting effects from the ordeal, they were “absolutely terrified”.
They said the family have no way of knowing if the gun used during the incident was real or not, though they believe it to have been “made of metal”.
A major police operation was launched immediately afterwards and a large area around the property and the wider area was cordoned off.
Several officers could be seen thoroughly searching the area on Sunday.
The extensive search included checking in bins and gardens at neighbouring properties.
It is understood that a roll of heavy duty tape was recovered from the item of clothing left behind by one of the thieves.
Yesterday, police acknowledged that the incident would have been concerning for local residents – but said they believed it to be “targeted”.
Detective Inspector Maggie Miller said: “We are appealing to the public for information in relation to this incident which will obviously be of concern to the local community.
“We believe that the incident may have been targeted and would appeal to anyone who saw anything unusual or suspicious in the area at the time to contact us.
“In particular we would like to trace three men who may be able to assist us with our inquiries.
“They would have been walking in the area at the time and are all described as wearing dark trousers and similar dark blue fleeces.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact police as soon as possible on 101.”
