Three robbers brandishing an AK-47 and fake pistols made off with nearly $5,000 and other valuables after committing a violent home invasion in Takeo province on Tuesday that left a couple badly beaten.

According to Major May Vanna, chief of police in Traing district, where the robbery took place, San Ra, 36, and his wife, Suon Srey Pov, 35, were sitting in their home at around 6:30pm when the three men burst in.

“They pointed guns at the victims and fired bullets into the ground near the victims’ legs, threatening them and ordering them not to shout for help,” Vanna said.

After beating the couple, who are fish and fish paste vendors in the village of Roluos, and forcing them to hand over 19 million riel ($4,750) and gold jewellery, the robbers escaped on two motorbikes.

The victims could not be contacted for comment yesterday.

According to Kim Sophal, a police officer in Traing district, the police were alerted around an hour after the incident took place. The identities of the suspects as yet remain unknown and police investigations are ongoing.