Finger severed following clash

An elderly man had his finger amputated after a home invasion

An elderly Napier man has had a finger amputated after a confrontation with two intruders.

The two men knocked on the 76-year-old man's door in Mahia St, Ahuriri around 1am on Saturday.

After an exchange of words, the man tried to open the door and one of the men pulled it from the other side. Someone then tried to punch the man through the gap in the door.

The victim tried to close the door but his right hand got jammed in the side.

He was able to open the door slightly and pull his hand free.

Detective Sergeant Darren Pritchard said the man sought medical help and had to have one of his fingers amputated.

"This was a random, unprovoked attack on an innocent elderly man and we are keen to find out who was responsible," Mr Pritchard said.

Police would like to speak to anyone who may have seen people acting suspiciously around the Big Save/Ahuriri business park area early on Saturday morning.

One of the men being sought is described as a large thick-set dark-skinned male with a round face. The other male was of slighter build.

Anyone with information about the incident should contact Mr Pritchard at HB Police on 06 8310700 or information can be left anonymously on Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.