Elderly man attacked, two teens shot in home invasion

File photo / Thinkstock

Two cars linked to a Waikato home invasion where two teenagers were shot last night have been found by police.

A 73-year-old man and a 17-year-old young woman were at home in Thames when a flat-deck ute pulled up the drive around 7.30pm.

The man went outside to see who it was and was attacked by three men wearing balaclavas who took him back inside.

A short time later an 18-year-old friend arrived at the Parawai Rd house and he was also held at gunpoint by the men.

"At some point a shotgun has gone off inside the house and the intruders have fled the property," Detective Sergeant Martyn Hughes said.

The young woman and her friend suffered shotgun wounds.

Police and ambulance staff were called to a geriatric hospital in Thames about 8.20pm after the victims ran there for help, Mr Hughes said.

The two teenagers had earlier discharged themselves from hospital but were traced by police, who have spoken to them.

The elderly man suffered facial injuries and shock and was kept in Thames Hospital overnight for observation but has since been released.

Police this afternoon said they are making good progress with their inquiries but still need the public's help in finding the attackers.

Officers have "identified a number of persons of interest" and armed police stormed one property.

Forensic examinations of the home where the incident took place and of two vehicles linked to the incident are currently being carried out.

Mr Hughes said police want to hear from anyone who was in the area of Parawai Rd between 7.30pm and 8.30pm last night who may have seen or heard anything suspicious. They can contact Thames Police on 07 858 6200 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.