An elderly couple terrorised in their home in what police have described as a "cowardly'' attack have lived on the street for about 40 years said a neighbour.
Police are hunting for three balaclava-clad men armed with baseball bats who broke into the couple's home in Wainuiomata, Wellington about 5am.
Police said the intruders tied up the residents and stole a small safe containing cash.
The woman, who is in her 60s, received minor injuries. She has been treated by a doctor and is recovering. The man, who is in his 70s, got free and called police.
Neighbour Noeline Colman, who knows the couple well, said she did not hear anything and it was only when she went outside and saw a police car that she realised something had happened.
