Elderly man recovering after home invasion

The man in his 70s answered a knock at his door at approximately 8.30pm. Three men, wearing hoodies and bandanas covering their faces, pushed their way inside where they made demands for money and tried to disconnect a Sky box. They left a short time later and at this stage it appears only the man’s phone is missing. The victim went to a neighbour’s address and contacted the police. He suffered a number of minor injuries and a possible fracture during the incident and is currently under observation in hospital. Police will be speaking to the victim further to establish in more detail what occurred inside the house and how he obtained his injuries. In the meantime police want to hear from anyone in the Manaia Street and Stanley Street areas of Tokoroa last night who may have seen or heard anything suspicious. The victim heard a vehicle start up as they left the house, so there may have been a fourth person waiting outside the address in a vehicle. Anyone with information about this incident or those responsible are asked to contact Tokoroa Police on 07 885 0100. Information can also be provided anonymously to the organisation Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Kim Perks on 027 234 8256.