Elderly couple robbed at gunpoint in Hutt Valley home

Armed men demanded gold and cash from an elderly couple during an aggravated robbery of a Hutt Valley home overnight, police say.

They searched the house and left with "a reasonably large amount of cash" after tying the couple up and covering their heads, said Upper Hutt area commander, Inspector Mike Hill.

About 6pm yesterday, three men armed with firearms entered house in Chatsworth Rd, an upmarket part of the suburb of Silverstream, and confronted an elderly couple, who were watching television.

Two of the men then pointed firearms at the pair and demanded gold and cash, Mr Hill said.

"The offenders then made the elderly couple lie down on the floor at gunpoint while they searched the house."

After about 20 minutes the trio left with a reasonably large amount of cash in $10, $20, $50 and $100 notes.

The couple was extremely shaken by a very scary incident, Mr Hill said.

Police were unsure how the men got to the address and a description of them was limited at this stage.

"They are described as either Maori, Polynesian or African, who were all wearing dark blue or black clothing, and all were of athletic build."

Police urgently wanted to speak to any witnesses, he said.

- NZPA