Elderly Wairoa man attacked in his bed

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

A Wairoa man is in hospital with serious injuries after he was assaulted in his bed by an unknown intruder early yesterday morning.

It happened at around 2.25am at a house in Brian Avenue.

Police have appealed to the public for any information.

Detective Sergeant Sam Park, from Wairoa CIB, said the offender left the 79-year-old man’s house with a cell phone and a portable landline phone.

“Inquiries are ongoing to determine if anything else was taken.

“The victim is in hospital in a serious but stable condition, undergoing medical treatment of his injuries,” Det Sgt Park said.

Police have completed a scene examination.

“We are making inquiries in the area but are also asking for the public to share any information which may assist with our enquiries.

“The offender has been described as a male, about 1.7 metres (5 foot 7 inches) tall, of a slim build, with a scarf wrapped around his face.

“If you have any information which may help us identify this individual, or saw any suspicious behaviour around Brian Avenue between 2 to 3am yesterday, please contact police on 105 — either by calling or going online at www.police.govt.nz/use-105

“Please reference file number 230426/7511.”

Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800-555-111.

“We acknowledge that an incident like this can be very distressing and cause wider concern within our community,” Det Sgt Park said.

“This kind of behaviour will not be tolerated and we would like to reassure the public that we are doing all we can to identify and locate this individual to hold them to account for their actions.”