A Southland family have been left traumatised following a ''cowardly'' armed home invasion near Riverton last night.
Police say three people forced their way into the family's house on Limestone Plains Rd, Thornbury, after knocking on the door about 11pm.
It is thought two of the three were carrying firearms, Detective Sergeant John Kean said.
A struggle ensued and the man living in the house was taken outside, assaulted and left lying injured on the lawn.
The group then tried to search the house before fleeing in a car. It is believed they travelled along Limestone Plains Rd towards Thornbury.
The man's partner and child were also at home at the time, and they have been traumatised by this ''serious, cowardly and unprovoked attack'', Det Sgt Kean said.
The man received fractures to his neck and a cut to his head. He was treated at Southland Hospital and has been discharged.
It is not yet known if anything was stolen from the house.
Police have conducted a scene examination, and would like to hear from anyone with information.
- Invercargill Police station on (03) 211 0500
- Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
