As the examination of the scene of this morning’s assault of a Matamata man in his home continues, investigators say they are following positive lines of inquiry in relation to identifying the offenders responsible.
Eastern Waikato Area Investigations Manager, Detective Senior Sergeant Graham Pitkethley, said forensic staff are currently working at the Sylvan Pl property where the 1.55am attack took place.
“While there were reports of a firearm being present during the attack no shots were fired and no firearm has been recovered. We have however located another object foreign to property which may have been mistaken for a firearm in the early hours of the morning.”
“We’re also not ruling out that the victim and his attackers may be known to each other. We don’t believe this was a random attack and it is likely the various parties are known to each other.”
Mr Pitkethley said detectives are currently speaking to a number of people who have made themselves available to Police and officers interviewed the victim in hospital this morning.
“At this point in time Police are also aware of an attempted ram raid of the Matamata Challenge Service Station shortly before this morning’s attack.
“While keeping an open mind on what has occurred it is too early in the enquiry to determine if the matters are in fact linked.”
Anyone with information on either incident is asked to contact Mr Pitkethley at the Matamata Police Station on 07 858 6200.
Alternatively, information can be left anonymously with the independent Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
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