Thrissur (Kerala) | Three unidentified persons broke into a house, tied up an elderly resident and made away with gold ornaments and cash at Mullakkara here in the early hours of Sunday, police said.

According to police, the incident occurred at the residence of Somasekharan (72) at around 2.30 am.

Police officials said Somasekharan was alone at home as his wife and daughter had gone to a relative's house.

The accused allegedly gained entry into the house after breaking open the lock of a rear door.

After collecting gold ornaments kept in an almirah, the trio woke up Somasekharan, tied his hands and assaulted him, police said.

They also took away the gold chain and ring he was wearing before fleeing the scene.

In all, 45.5 sovereigns of gold worth around Rs 49.5 lakh and Rs 50,000 in cash were stolen from the house, police said.

After managing to free himself, Somasekharan informed the police.

A team from Mannuthy police station reached the spot and launched an investigation.

According to police, Somasekharan told investigators that the three men were speaking in Hindi.

As the house is located near the National Highway, police are examining CCTV footage and tracking vehicles that passed through the area around the time of the incident, officials said.

Mannuthy police have registered a case and a detailed investigation is under way.