(file image) Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller
An elderly man has been hospitalised after a home invasion in the Hawke's Bay town of Wairoa.
Police said the 79-year-old was in bed at 2.25am on Wednesday, when he was assaulted by a person who broke into the property on Brian Avenue.
He is now in a serious but stable condition.
Detective sergeant Sam Park said a cell phone and portable landline phone were taken from the property and police were investigating if anything else was stolen.
Park said he acknowledged an incident like this could be very distressing and cause wider concern in the community but reassured them that police were working to hold the offender to account.
A scene examination had been completed.
Police are appealing to the public for any information about a male, about 170cm tall, of slim build, with a scarf wrapped around his face, as well as any sightings of suspicious behaviour around Brian Street between 2am to 3am on Wednesday.
Information can be provided to police on 105 - either by calling or online - using reference file number 230426/7511. Or anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.