Elderly woman describes campervan attack

An elderly woman terrorised by a group of youths near Dunedin at the weekend has spoken about her ordeal.

The couple, in their 70s, were asleep at Warrington Domain, north of Dunedin, early on Saturday morning when the youths surrounded their campervan and began rocking it.

About 18 young men and women reportedly kicked the sides and windows of the campervan, throwing bottles at it.

At least one person jumped on the roof while another hung from the door. A bottle was thrown through a window, showering the woman in glass.

The woman, who did not want to be named told the Otago Daily Times the attack had left her and her husband shattered.

"How would these people like it if this happened to their mother, father, grandmother or grandfather?"

The couple had stopped for the night while driving back to their Mosgiel home from a holiday in the North Island .

At 1.15am, the couple were woken by a group of youths attacking their campervan.

During the incident, the couple's campervan, which they had bought only recently, was extensively damaged. Windows were broken and panels were dented from thrown objects and people climbing on its roof.

"I am still quite numb about it."

The woman said she had struggled to sleep since the incident and was afraid her attackers would track her down.

She praised the efforts of the police and hoped the perpetrators would "go to prison".

Meanwhile, police say they have identified some of the people involved, although no arrests have been made.

Constable Greg Park said police had spoken to the owner of a cellphone left at the scene, and inquiries were continuing.

- NZPA