Home invasion victim 'all right'

The victim of a home invasion insists he is "doing all right" after three men smashed their way into his house with an axe in the early hours of yesterday morning.

Martin De Lautour said he was in bed asleep at 2.30am when the men broke into his Oak Crescent home in Ashhurst, just outside Palmerston North.

Police believe the men were also armed with a firearm.

Martin, who was the only person at the home, said he escaped by running to a neighbouring property to raise the alarm. He was unhurt.

"My first thought was just to get out of there."

Neighbours were largely unaware of the incident when contacted yesterday.

Michael Christiansen said the area is usually a quiet and safe place.

"It's a generally quiet street and a really safe street."

Another resident, who did not want to be named, said she had seen police on the street.

"It's a bit scary to think about but at least no one was injured," she said.

Detective Sergeant Jonny Oram of Palmerston North CIB said the men left their axe behind and fled before police arrived.

Police are hoping to collect forensic evidence from the axe.

"Nothing was taken during the burglary and the occupant has escaped unharmed," said Oram.

"We are seeking information about a noisy V8-sounding station wagon seen leaving the address."

Anyone with information should contact Palmerston North Police on (06) 351 3600.