Woman (71) bashed in home invasion

A 71-year-old woman who was bashed in a brutal home invasion in Kawerau has been described as "remarkable" by police.

The woman is in a stable condition in Whakatane Hospital with a broken left cheek and a suspected broken nose after being bashed by an intruder about 1am yesterday.

She was at her home in Kawerau and opened the door to who she thought was a family member she was expecting to arrive late from overseas. However, it was instead a man who demanded cash.

He attacked the woman leaving her covered in blood on the floor of her home, before stealing her car. No cash was taken.

At a press conference in Whakatane this afternoon, Detective Inspector Tim Anderson repeated his plea to the community for information.

He said in cases such as these, information from the public was vital.

He described the victim as a "remarkable woman" who had a lot of support from the community.

He said she had family in the wider Bay of Plenty area and New Zealand who were now with her.

Detective Constable Ash Clements of Whakatane police had earlier said police did not want a repeat of this attack and appealed for information from the public.

"This was a cowardly, callous attack on a defenceless elderly woman, and is a reminder of the need for all of to be careful when answering the door, even if we are expecting someone."

Police particularly wanted to speak to anyone who saw anyone acting suspiciously in the River Rd area.

Mr Clements said the stolen vehicle had since been recovered and Kawerau police and CIB staff were completing forensic investigations. Anyone with information can contact Kawerau police (07) 323 1400 or Whakatane police (07) 308 5255.

Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously via the free Crimestoppers phone line 0800 111 555.

- Katee Shanks of the Daily Post

Add a Comment