Robbers piled furniture and a gas heater to restrain a frail pensioner in his bed while they ransacked his home, police said today.
The 81-year-old man was also beaten by the thieves who stole cash and a hand-made German violin.
They cut his telephone cable to delay him seeking help after they fled.
The terrifying ordeal began when he was woken by noises in the living room of the house in McCrea Park, Clogher, Co Tyrone, last night.
One thief barged into the bedroom, demanded money and slapped the frightened victim across the face with a damp cloth.
A police spokeswoman said: "Items of furniture and a gas heater were placed on top of him while he was in bed."
Detectives urged anyone with information, or who was offered a Paseold violin in suspicious circumstances, to come forward.