Family recovers from home robbery ordeal

Six Chinese people are recovering from a terrifying ordeal in their east Auckland home this morning.

Police were called to the house in Dalwhinnie Parade in Highland Park at around 6.45am after a neighbour called 111.

As they arrived four men in two separate cars were making their getaway. The driver of one has been arrested.

The three occupants of the second vehicle ran off after it spun out of control, and are being sought by police.

Detective Sergeant Graham Fleming said one of the alleged offenders pointed a rifle at police before making their getaway.

He said the arrested man had been charged with unrelated driving offences and further inquiries were being carried out about his involvement.

The family targeted in the incident were apparently woken up by the intruders and tied up.

Inspector Terrance Van Dillen said: "On arrival at the scene it would appear that a number of persons had been tied up and held hostage."

Police said the victims were very distressed, and one received minor injuries and has been treated in hospital.

They would not reveal if much cash was taken, but said the offenders dropped some items, including clothing, as they were making their getaway.

Inspector Van Dillen asked anyone living in the Highlands Park area not to touch any property found on their sections and to call the police immediately.

Newstalk ZB reporter Marc Checkley said there were signs of a forced entry to the house. He said other residents told him they were alarmed such a violent incident would shatter the calm of their otherwise peaceful street.

He was also told by police that there are no apparent links between the offenders and the family.

Anyone with information on the robbery should contact Howick Police Station.

- NEWSTALK ZB / NZHERALD STAFF