Armed intruders spark Ashburton investigation

Ashburton Police are appealing for information to help identify three armed men who confronted a woman at a property near Hinds last night [Tuesday 28 May].

Police were called to a rural address in McDougalls Road at 7.30pm after receiving a call from a person at the address.

Detective Sergeant Jennifer Hooke says a woman in her early 20s had been at her farm property on her own when she answered a knock at the door, at around 6.30pm.

On opening the door she was confronted by three men who were not known to her. They forced their way into the house, struck her in the face, and held her at gunpoint inside the address.

"They asked for a person who they believed resided at the address, but the young woman could not help with this person's whereabouts," says Detective Sergeant Hooke.

"One of the men held the woman at gunpoint while the other two ransacked her address. When they didn't find the person they were looking for, the group left in a vehicle that had been left idling outside the address - possibly indicating there may have been a fourth person involved."

The young woman waited for about an hour then left the address to seek assistance and called police. She received minor injuries and did not require medical attention. She is being supported by friends.

One of the men is described as a European, aged around 28 to 30, with short shaved hair, of stocky build and unshaven.

The second is described as a European, aged around 28 to 30, with sandy brown hair styled in spikes, possibly with a thin moustache. He had a protruding light brown mole on his lower left cheek, close to the jaw line.

The third man is described as a Maori, aged around 28 to 30, of darker complexion with straight black hair extending below his ears, and a 1cm beard coming to a point at the chin, but no moustache. He was wearing a black t-shirt with '50 cent' and the image of a chain in faded gold lettering.

No description of the vehicle is available.

Ashburton Police are continuing with the investigation, and a forensic examination is being conducted this afternoon at the farm property. The results of the examination will not be known immediately. No further information is available at the present time.

Anyone with information about the incident, or who can help identify the persons responsible is asked to contact Ashburton Police, ph. (03) 3078405. Information can also be provided anonymously through contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS