Community's help sought following cowardly attack

A 71-year-old Kawerau woman is in a serious but stable condition in hospital following a brutal and cowardly attack in the early hours of this morning (Saturday 29 January).

Detective Constable Ash Clements of Whakatane Police said they were keen to hear from anyone in the local community with information about the attack, which happened as the woman opened her door to a man about 1am, after mistaking him for a male relative she had been expecting to arrive late from overseas.

The man demanded cash before attacking the woman, leaving her covered in blood on the floor of her home, before then stealing her car. No cash was taken.

"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 don’t want to see a repeat of this type of attack and encourage anyone in the local community with information that may help us to catch this offender to contact us immediately, no matter how unimportant it may seem,” Mr Clements said.

“We’d particularly like to hear from anyone who may ay have seen anyone acting suspiciously in the River Road area at about 1am today.”

Mr Clements said the stolen vehicle had since been recovered and Kawerau police and CIB staff were currently completing forensic investigations.

Anyone with information can contact Kawerau Police, ph 07 323 1400, or Whakatane police, ph 07 308 5255. Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously via the free Crimestoppers phone line, ph 0800 111 555.

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ENDS

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