Replica gun seized by Northern Territory police after terrifying armed robbery

A replica gun has been seized by Northern Territory Police, as investigations into a terrifying armed robbery continue. 

Speaking to 9News, 62-year-old Margaret Ransley said her husband Keith had returned to their unit in the Palmerston suburb of Driver after buying a newspaper and cigarettes but forgot to lock the door behind him. 

After coming out of the toilet, she said he saw someone walking around the main bedroom and went to look, thinking it was her. 

"One indigenous guy walked out and another guy behind him," Ms Ransley said. 

"The second guy had a hand gun, held it to Keith's head and said, 'don't look up, look down, or I'll blow your head off,'." 

She said the pair ran from the unit through the front door, which had been propped open with a pot. 

The couple discovered the men had ransacked their bedroom and stolen $1150 in cash, $20,000 worth of jewellery and a small box containing their dog's ashes. 

"It's disgusting, I don't feel comfortable here anymore," said Ms Ransley. 

"Our children are on the Sunshine Coast, they're saying 'mum please pack up and come home,'." 

Today, police from the Serious Crime Squad and Territory Response Group descended on a public housing complex in Gray to search for evidence. 

Officers found a replica firearm on a roof, rubbish bins examined and residents interviewed. 

Police are also appealing for anyone who saw three Indigenous men walking across Temple Terrace, near the Oasis Shopping Centre, around 6.25am yesterday to contact them. 

"The victim described the first male with the hand gun as six-foot-tall, skinny, athletic and of Aboriginal descent," said Detective Sergeant Trent Abbott. 

"He was wearing a woolen beanie and long sleeves and jeans."

Det. Sgt Abbott said the second man was described as having a similar build, a moustache and was wearing a white hoodie and tracksuit pants. 

Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.