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Police are asking for help in finding four men involved in a brazen midday home invasion and botched robbery in the city’s south end.

A man awoke to find three men in his Bankview Place home, near the South Keys shopping centre, around 3:45 p.m. Thursday, police say. One was armed with what is believed to be an imitation handgun.

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The intruders demanded money and attempted to tape the victim’s mouth shut. After a struggle, the homeowner was able to flee to the garage, and the suspects left empty-handed, apparently believing police were on their way.

The victim suffered minor injuries.

Police said it was “unclear” whether the victim was specifically targeted, and noted the house was unlocked at the time.

Witnesses told police they saw four men running in the immediate vicinity around the same time as the home invasion, reporting the group ran to a car parked nearby on Bartlett Private. The car is described a silver or grey, similar to a Toyota or Hyundai.

Police are on the lookout for four young men, 18 to 25 years old with black or dark complexions.

One suspect is described as having a small, afro-style hair style and a chubby build, and at least one had a scarf partially covering his face.

Neighbourhood residents are asked to call police if they witnessed anything suspicious on that date.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Ottawa police robbery unit at 613-236-1222 ext. 5116.

ahelmer@postmedia.com

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