Elderly man in hospital after assault

An elderly man is in hospital after three men allegedly pushed their way inside his Tokoroa home last night.

The men were wearing hoodies with bandannas covering their faces and demanded money from the man after forcing entry at about 8.30pm, police said.

The victim, in his 70s, suffered a number of minor injuries and a possible fracture during the incident.

His phone is the only possession thought to be missing at this stage.

Police are appealing for information to identify the group of men and want to hear from anyone in the Manaia St and Stanley St areas of Tokoroa who might have seen or heard anything suspicious.

The victim heard a vehicle start as the men left his house so there may have been a fourth person involved, police said.

Contact Tokoroa Police on (07) 885 0100 with any information. Information can also be provided anonymously to the organisation Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

NZME.