Gunman held-up woman as children slept

Police are worried that a gunman who held up a woman and "terrorised" her in her own home while her young children slept, will strike again.

Police have only just released the details of the incident which happened on Sunday night in Puriri St in the Hamilton suburb of Nawton.

Detective Sergeant Dave Grace said the woman was working on her computer at 9.30pm when a man entered the home via a ranch slider, brandishing a hand gun and demanding cigarettes and cash. He fled the property and the woman phoned police.

The victim described the man as male Maori or Polynesian, aged between 16 to 20, who was wearing a beanie down over his eyebrows, a black leather trench coat and shorts which went to below the knees.

Mr Grace said though only a small amount of cash and cigarettes were demanded, it did not lessen the degree of stress the woman was put under with a gunman in her house while her children slept.

He said police were seeking reports of suspicious behaviour in the area and wanted anyone who can identify the offender to come forward.

"We seek the public's assistance in rapidly apprehending this man before he subjects anyone else to this sought of ordeal or does something worse."

Mr Grace said anyone with information should call the Hamilton police station on (07) 858 6200 or they can leave information anonymously on the confidential crimeline on 0800 287 843.

- NEWSTALK ZB