A TV appeal to catch the person who attacked an elderly woman in her Kawerau home has been dubbed a success by police.
Twenty calls were received as a result of the appeal on Police Ten-7 last night and several have yielded positive lines of inquiry.
Detective Sergeant Darren Thomas said: "We are really grateful for the response we received. It shows that emotions are still running high and there is a real willingness for the community to help the police to solve this vicious assault."
The 71-year-old suffered severe facial injuries when an intruder barged into her home early on December 29. Her car was stolen in the attack but later recovered.
Described as remarkable by police, the woman needed titanium plates inserted into both eye sockets and medical attention for a split left ear, a shattered tooth socket and a fractured jaw.
Anyone with information about the attack is asked to contact Mr Thomas on 07 308 9836 or Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555111.
