Violent home invasion in Pukekohe

Counties Manukau Police are investigating a violent home invasion in Pukekohe.
 
At around 2pm on Friday 8 November, an elderly couple aged in their 60's and 70's were inside their home on John Street, Pukekohe.
 
A man knocked on the door and asked to speak to a person that the couple did not know. 
 
Ten minutes later, two men entered the house, one was armed with what may have been a firearm.
 
The couple were both assaulted and were tied up by the men, who then searched the house for about an hour.
 
The men stole cash and jewellery from the house and fled, leaving the victims tied up in their lounge.
 
Both of the victims required hospital treatment, the female victim received a facial injury during the assault.
 
A white vehicle was seen parked in the victim's driveway during the assault. It is described as a white car, possibly a Toyota Corolla or similar.
 
The offenders are described as the following:
 
 
MAN WHO KNOCKED ON THE DOOR TEN MINUTES BEFORE THE ASSAULT
 
1.Male, Pacific Islander, aged in his 30's with long black hair and a beard. He was wearing a red and white tshirt.
 
 
TWO MEN WHO INVADED THE HOUSE 
 
1. Male, light brown skin, chubby build, face was partially disguised.
 
2. No description available.
 
 
"This was a violent and terrifying attack on a defenceless elderly couple, and we're appealing for anyone who may have seen either of the offenders or their car in the John Street area yesterday afternoon to contact us as soon as possible. It's possible there could be up to 3 offenders involved." says Det Sgt Glenn Wilkinson, Counties Manukau Police. 
 
The couple have been discharged from hospital and are now recovering with family.
 
Anyone with information is asked to call the Counties Manukau crime squad on 027 497 4912 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
 
ENDS
 
Det Sgt Glenn Wilkinson will hold a brief media conference outside the scene in John Street, Pukekohe at 1pm today.
 
Issued by Beth Bates/0274 752 518