Father in surgery following home invasion

A 63-year-old man has undergone surgery today to his face and head after being attacked in his Auckland home.

The man and 29-year-old son were attacked shortly after 5am yesterday in suburban Epsom.

Both were taken to hospital after being badly beaten with a weapon, Detective Sergeant Graeme Timms, of the Glen Innes CIB said.

The man, who also has a fractured back, is in a serious but stable condition but his son has been discharged from hospital. A woman, believed to be a friend of the 29-year-old, was not injured in the attack.

Police are continuing their scene investigation.

"At this stage it would appear that the house was broken into, so it may have all the hallmarks of a burglary that has gone wrong.

"We are unaware of anything being stolen at this stage, but that will come to light after completing the scene examination and speaking to the two victims," Mr Timms said.

Police were on the hunt for three men and a damaged getaway vehicle.

The dark green saloon vehicle had a damaged rear bumper on the passenger side and was missing a wing mirror cover on the driver side, Mr Timms said.

The home invasion was a "gruesome and cowardly attack on two defenceless victims", Mr Timms said.

The level of violence could have been fatal.

The three men were believed to be Pacific Islanders, aged in their late teens or early twenties.

They were all about 1.8 to 1.9 metres tall and of medium build and were wearing dark clothing, Mr Timms said.

Neighbours had helped with inquiries, but police were still seeking further witnesses.

- NZPA