An elderly woman and her daughter are in shock after armed men wearing disguises attacked them in their Hastings home last night.
Hawke's Bay police say the women were in their Outram Rd, Akina, property last night when two young males wearing a disguise and carrying weapons confronted them.
Detective Sergeant Darren Pritchard said the pair demanded money from the women and a struggle followed.
The robbers left on foot with a handbag.
The women were shocked and upset but suffered no physical injuries.
"This was a random and very nasty attack on this family. I am asking the community to help us identify the two responsible," said Pritchard.
He asked locals to check their properties for discarded clothing and a handbag taken during the frightening attack.
Anyone with information was asked to contact Hawke's Bay Police on (06) 831 0700.