Elderly couple brutally bashed in Christchurch home

An elderly couple suffered serious injuries when they were brutally bashed at their home in broad daylight today.

A 72-year-old man and a woman aged 80 were taken to Christchurch Hospital with serious injuries after the attack at the Port Hills house about 1.15pm.

Police believed a male relative may have been responsible for the attack at the St Martins Rd address and said a weapon had been used.

A neighbour who didn't want to be named said she was shocked by the attack.

"I can't believe this has happened right near my home. The area is very quiet... I saw some police at a house on my way home."

Another neighbour said: "It stinks that an elderly couple cannot even be safe in their own homes. It is just shocking to hear this kind of thing going on in such a nice quiet area."

A police spokesman said both victims had been subjected to a serious assault inside the house.

Both had suffered head injuries but were conscious when they were taken to hospital.

The woman also suffered arm injuries.

The offender had left the scene by the time police arrived and initial enquiries indicated it was likely to be a male relative of one of the victims.

Police were trying to locate the man.