An elderly Chinese woman was bashed in her own home by a robber moments after her husband went outside to investigate a strange noise.
The attack has left the couple traumatised.
The woman, in her 60s, was at home with her husband on Tuesday night when they heard noises outsidetheir property in Taniwha St, Glen Innes. Detective Senior Sergeant Kevin Hooper said the husband, aged in his 70s, went outside to see what the noise was.
"While [he was] outside, someone entered the home and confronted the elderly woman inside. As she tried to raise the alarm, she was assaulted," he told the Herald.
The woman was punched in the face at least once as she tried to alert her husband.
"He grabbed her and in that struggle he struck her in the face," Mr Hooper said.
The offender took some personal item and then left.
Police arrived soon after and the woman was taken to hospital for treatment. She had no visible signs of injury but was complaining of pain around the area where she was hit.
Officers interviewed the couple with the help of an interpreter, and were speaking to neighbours in a search for clues about the attacker.
The couple were not able to give a clear description of the attacker, other than to say he was dark skinned.
Mr Hooper said it was too early to link the incident to a recent burglary close to the couple's home.
Anyone who saw suspicious activity or people in the area on Tuesday night - or any time recently - is asked to contact the police.
Mr Hooper said he wanted to hear about anything out of the ordinary. He said that often people did not report things like prowlers or suspicious activity because they did not think it was important. But any information could help.
If you can help, contact the Glen Innes CIB on (09) 524-1910.
