The victim was asleep in bed when the pair, one armed with a knife, broke in to the house in Downview Park West, north Belfast, at about 4am on Saturday.

The PSNI said the man was tied up and assaulted before his house was ransacked and personal items stolen.

He was rushed to hospital to be treated for injuries, which are not thought to be life threatening. Detectives have appealed for information.

One of the robbers was described as being about 25-years-old, 5ft 10ins, of slim build with short black hair and had a Belfast accent. He was wearing a dark hooded top with blue jeans and grey shoes.