Sketch released of man who punched woman in her Dinsdale home in Hamilton

Police have released a sketch of the man who assaulted and stole from a woman in her Dinsdale home. Image / NZ Police

Hamilton Police have released a sketch of a man who assaulted and robbed a 61-year-old woman in her Dinsdale home two weeks ago.

The woman was having a nap on her couch about 2.45pm on Tuesday 28 February when she woke to find a stranger in his early 20s in her house.

The man punched her twice in the face before taking off with her handbag.

Detective Maree Stevenson said someone would recognise the man who was described as a chubby Maori, or recognise the silver cross tattoo on his neck.

He was wearing a grey T-shirt and is believed to have entered the house through an unlocked door.

"The woman was very shaken by the incident and finding the person responsible will go a long way to providing her with some reassurance," Stevenson said.

Anyone with information on this man should contact Hamilton Police on 07 858 6200, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

The intruder had a similar tattoo of a cross on his neck. Image / NZ Police