Elderly couple assaulted in 'cowardly and despicable' attack

File photo / NZ Herald

An elderly Tokoroa couple has been viciously assaulted in "cowardly and despicable" attack.

The married couple, in their 70s, were attacked when they arrived at their house in Weka Place last night, and startled three men who were damaging a fence on the couple's property.

When the elderly man asked the trio to stop, he was verbally abused and hit over the back of the head with a full can of alcohol.

He fell to the ground from the blow and when his wife went to his aid, one of the men knocked her unconscious with a punch to the face.

The men then ran up Weka Place toward Aotea Crescent.

Neighbours overheard the attack and rushed to help the couple, who were taken to Tokoroa Hospital by ambulance.

Police used a dog to track the offenders but lost the trail some distance from the scene.

The men were described as Maori, aged between 18 and 20 years.

Two of the men were described as being overweight, and all were wearing dark clothing.

Tokoroa Police Senior Sergeant Graeme Hill said: "This is a cowardly and despicable attack on two elderly people minding their own business at home. I urge anyone with any information that can assist in the apprehension of these offenders to contact us."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Tokoroa Police on (07) 885 0100 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.