An elderly couple suffered serious injuries when they were brutally bashed at their home in broad daylight today.
A 72-year-old man and a woman aged 80 were taken to Christchurch Hospital with serious injuries after the attack at the Port Hills house about 1.15pm.
Police believed a male relative may have been responsible for the attack at the St Martins Rd address and said a weapon had been used.
A neighbour who didn't want to be named said she was shocked by the attack.
"I can't believe this has happened right near my home. The area is very quiet... . I saw some police at a house on my way home."
Another neighbour said: "It stinks that an elderly couple cannot even be safe in their own homes. It is just shocking to hear this kind of thing going on in such a nice quiet area."
A police spokesman said both victims had been subjected to a serious assault inside the house.
Both had suffered head injuries but were conscious when they were taken to hospital.
The woman also suffered arm injuries .
The offender had left the scene by the time police arrived and initial enquiries indicated it was likely to be a male relative of one of the victims.
Police were trying to locate the man.