Burglar bashes bystander with rock in pillowcase

The Good Samaritan was hit several times before the attacker fled on foot. File photo / NZ Herald

A bystander was bashed in the head with a pillowcase stuffed with a rock or brick after catching a burglar in the act in Paeroa last night.

Sergeant Phil Caldwell of Paeroa police said the bystander heard a disturbance at the optometrists on Willoughby St about 10.30pm.

"The member of the public went to investigate the disturbance was and was confronted by a male offender and a short altercation took place outside the premises," Mr Caldwell said.

"The offender has been armed with a white pillowcase containing a rock or a brick and he has used this to strike the Good Samaritan about the head and body a number of times before fleeing on foot."

Mr Caldwell said the offender was last seen fleeing through the rear of the local volunteer fire brigade. He dropped a charity box and a pair of glasses taken from the store in his flight.

The offender was described as a Maori or Polynesian man in his late teens or early 20s wearing a grey hooded sweatshirt and a blue bandanna over his face.

"We believe the offender may have suffered some minor injuries following the scuffle with the victim who disturbed him," Mr Caldwell said.

Anyone who may have witnessed last night's incident or had any knowledge of the identity of the offender was asked to contact Paeroa Police on 07 862 8744.