Police said he assaulted the man before fleeing in a dark sedan. Photo / File
A teenager broke into the home of a Hastings couple today and assaulted a man in his 70s.
The intruder smashed his way through a window at the home on Longlands Rd about 8.15am.
The occupants, both in their 70s, were woken and confronted by the offender, who is described as being in his late teens.
Police said he assaulted the man before fleeing in a dark sedan.
The man suffered minor injuries but the woman was not hurt, Detective John Brans of the Hawkes Bay criminal investigation branch said.
"The couple are understandably shaken.
"They have been supported by family and Victim Support today after what was a traumatic incident," Mr Brans said.
"We would like to hear from anyone who saw a man in his late teens acting suspiciously in or around the Longlands Rd area this morning between 7am and 8.30am."
• Anyone with information can call Hastings police on (06) 831-0700 or provide information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.
A 37-year-old man appeared in court on Monday charged with murder.