Northland police investigating after man breaks into Paihia police station

Paihia’s Crystal Anstruther-Burson. Photo / Supplied

A Paihia woman allegedly assaulted with a heavy club while working inside her clothing shop has been called a “brave warrior” in the wake of the “brutal attack”.

A Givealittle page has been set up to help Crystal Anstruther-Burson on her road to recovery after a 27-year-old man reportedly struck her multiple times while inside her Selwyn Rd store CC’s Closet on Sunday afternoon.

Anstruther-Burson was taken to Whangārei Hospital with serious injuries to her head and body.

Police yesterday confirmed they had arrested the man believed to have carried out the assault after he smashed his way into the Paihia police station using a brick.

Far North area commander Inspector Riki Whiu said the woman was believed to have been known to the man.

The man appeared in Kaikohe District Court on Monday charged with wounding with intent, wilful damage, intentional damage and burglary.

According to the Givealittle page, Anstruther-Burson is a “resilient and cherished community member” who is unable to work following the assault.

Whiu said minutes after the assault, police were notified of an alarm activation at their Paihia station on Williams Rd.

“The man had smashed his way into the front of the station with a brick, [then] smashed through another internal door before gaining entry into the office area, where he damaged the internal alarm that was sounding.”

Responding officers located and arrested the man at the scene, Whiu said.

“At the time this incident occurred, the station was not open and there was no tactical equipment stored on-site.”

The damage was currently being repaired and police would be conducting a review to establish whether any improvements could be made.

Police wanted to hear from anybody who was near Selwyn Mall, Selwyn Rd or Williams Rd and who may have information to assist the ongoing investigation.