The family of an elderly woman brutally bashed when a pair of teens stole her car thinks she was targeted because she's Asian.
Nancy Voon suffered concussion, a broken nose, cheekbones and teeth in the assault in the Auckland suburb of Panmure on Wednesday.
Her son Chee Phua says they've been in New Zealand since 1991, and haven't had any problems with racism until now.
"I think it just comes down to that she is small, Asian and quite old. She was an easy target and people need to be careful if they fall in the same category," he says.
Ms Voon in hospital (Supplied)
Regardless, Mr Phua cannot believe why anyone would want to target his mum.
"It's more than just a car-jacking, they were really violent, violent offenders. Either they were on drugs or not thinking straight. I don't think anyone is capable of doing that, especially in New Zealand."
"They didn't even give her a chance to surrender, [and say] 'hey don't hurt me, take what you want', that wasn’t the case. It was more like 'I feel like hurting someone today I'm going to come and beat you up for no reason'."
He says the family have been reading people's messages and would like to thank them, hospital staff and the police for their support.
Meanwhile the hunt is on for three offenders, who have been on the run from police for more than a day.
One of the women driving away in a vehicle stolen from the assault victim (Supplied)
At around 9pm on Wednesday, police released the footage of the moments before the assault which showed two women getting out of a car, one appeared to have a weapon in her hand.
Detective Senior Sergeant Paul Newman says the response to the video has been overwhelming.
"The footage has been viewed thousands of times on the Auckland City Police Facebook page and we thank everyone who has shared and viewed the post."
He says police are working to piece together the circumstances leading up to yesterday's "nasty attack" and says there are very positive lines of inquiry.
"I can confirm that we are following up on a number of sightings of [the red Honda Fit] both before and after the event. The information is still quite raw and we are moving and following up, trying to find some more information."
Both cars have now been located. The grey Toyota Corolla was found on Wednesday night in Mangere and the red Honda was found in Flat Bush on Thursday morning.
Police are asking for anyone who saw the attack or has any relevant information to contact Glen Innes police on 09 524 1962 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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