Man hides in ceiling to attack former partner

Police are seeking a man who allegedly hid in a ceiling cavity of his former partner's Napier house before attacking her in front of her children.

Detective Glen Burrell said the woman left her suburban Maraenui home about 3pm and returned at 6pm.

Within that time her former partner allegedly broke in and hid in the ceiling.

About 9pm the man came out of his hiding place and attacked her.

Mr Burrell said the woman was struck several times and dragged through the house, suffering cuts and bruises.