Matamata home invasion victim may have known attackers

A broken window can be seen at a property in Matamata. Photo / Alan Gibson

Police investigating a home invasion in Matamata early today believe the victim and his attackers may be known to each other.

Police are still carrying out a scene examination at the Sylvan St address where they found a man suffering from severe facial injuries at 2am.

Police are now carrying out a scene examination at the Sylvan St address. Photo / Alan Gibson

Eastern Waikato Area Investigations Manager, Detective Senior Sergeant Graham Pitkethley said they don't believe the attack was random and it was likely the various parties were known to each other.

Police were also speaking to a "number" of other people who had come forward after the attack.

Earlier today police revealed a witness recalled a car pulling up in the drive of the property, people getting out before hearing the sound of breaking glass and the male occupant yelling.

"Going to investigate, the witness found the victim in the kitchen bleeding heavily from facial wounds and that the offenders had fled."

Senior Sergeant Andrew Townsend said while there had been reports a firearm had been present during the attack no shots were fired and no firearm was recovered.

"The victim was taken to Waikato Hospital by ambulance where he is currently being treated."

Police were keeping an open mind whether the attack was linked to an attempted ram raid of the Matamata Challenge Service Station shortly before the attack.

Anyone with information on either incident is asked to contact Mr Pitkethley at the Matamata Police Station on 07 858 6200. Neighbours of the usually quiet cul-de-sac were surprised to wake up and find police in their street today.

None of them heard anything, due to the attack happening during the early hours of the morning, but said the occupant - a man called Jason in his 40s or 50s - was friendly enough.

He moved down from Auckland about three months ago with his fox terrier dog and bought the house, which backs on to Matamata College.

The neighbour said the lights in the house always appeared to be on, with many people visiting and others staying the night.

Police had also been seen at the house prior to the attack.

One neighbour wondered if the incident was linked to the ram raid of the town's Challenge Service Station.

A window can be seen broken in a rear door, the possible entry point for the attackers.