Ashburton police seek information after intruder 'savagely' attacks 73-year-old man at his home

"The male intruder has savagely attacked a 73-year-old victim and fled the scene on foot."
"The male intruder has savagely attacked a 73-year-old victim and fled the scene on foot." Photo credit: Getty Images

Ashburton police are investigating a burglary and aggravated assault that put a 73-year-old man in hospital.

On Thursday between 10:45pm and 11pm, the man disturbed an intruder on his property on West Street near Racecourse Road.

Now police are seeking information from anyone who may have seen a man described as 6 feet tall, medium build, wearing a white or light-coloured hoodie with the hood up over his head.

"The male intruder has savagely attacked a 73-year-old victim and fled the scene on foot," said Detective Craig Clare.

Det Clare said the suspect may have been caught on a vehicle's dash camera in the area of Russell Ave at the end of Racecourse Rd or Russell Ave itself.

"We would also like to hear from anyone who noticed a man matching the description in the area around the time mentioned."

Police are asking anyone with information to contact them on 105 and reference file number 221008/9164.

Information can also be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 0800 555 111.