Five arrests follow invasion

Police say occupants of a Papakura East house were asleep about 1.30am when intruders burst in. Photo / File

Home invaders terrorised and assaulted residents with a gun and knife early yesterday.

Police say occupants of a Papakura East house were asleep about 1.30am when intruders burst in.

Police say the alleged attackers, aged 15 to 19, assaulted the occupants and threatened them with a firearm. A man who lived at the house, thought to be in his early 30s, needed treatment for injuries.

Police stopped a red 1994 Mitsubishi FTO soon after the incident and arrested five men.

Detective Senior Sergeant Aaron Proctor said last night it was not clear why the house was targeted. The victims did not know the arrested men. Four of the accused were from Papakura and the fifth from Pukekohe.

Proctor said anyone who saw the red car in Papakura East or Red Hill before the burglary should contact Papakura police.

The arrested youths were to appear in Papakura District Court tomorrow.

Proctor said police were looking for a firearm, possibly an airgun, that may have been discarded after the invasion.

He also urged locals who found stolen or discarded electronic products, including cellphones to contact local police.