Home invaders linked to string of burglaries

Police believe three men responsible for beating a father and son in their Auckland home are behind a number of burglaries around the region.

The two men, aged 63 and 29, were attacked shortly after 5am on Wednesday in suburban Epsom.

The father had his back broken when he was struck by the offenders' car as they made their getaway.

He and his son were also badly beaten with a weapon.

The father remains in Auckland's Middlemore Hospital after undergoing surgery. His son has been discharged

Detective Sergeant Graeme Timms, of the Glen Innes CIB said today the incident bore "all the hallmarks of a burglary that has gone wrong".

The getaway car, a dark green 2002 Toyota Corolla, registration AYF304, was found abandoned a short distance from the property.

"That vehicle was stolen on May 24 and we believe it's been used for more than just the incident at Epsom," Mr Timms said.

It was taken during a burglary on Great South Road in Drury in south Auckland.

"We're following up some reasonably positive leads in regard to that vehicle.

"(But) it's going to take some time. We're only just going to be carrying out a forensic examination of the vehicle today."

The three attackers 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.

- NZPA