As stated by Detective Sergeant Sam Park, Wairoa CIB:
Police are appealing to the public for any information in relation to aggravated burglary in Wairoa yesterday (27 April).
At 2.25am yesterday, an unknown offender broke into a residential address on Brian Avenue and assaulted the elderly occupant, who was in bed.
The offender left the address with a cell phone and a portable landline phone. Enquiries are ongoing to determine if anything else was taken.
The victim, a 79-year-old man, is in hospital in a serious but stable condition for medical treatment of his injuries.
Police have completed a scene examination and are making enquiries in the area but are also asking for the public to share any information which may assist with our enquiries.
The offender has been described as a male, about 170cm (5’7″) tall, of a slim build, with a scarf wrapped around his face.
