The public has responded well to attempts to find two men who attacked a man in his Tauranga home as his terrified partner and children looked on, but police are still some way from finding the offenders.
The men, carrying a knife, metal bar and screwdriver, forced their way into the house in Carlton St, Otumoetai, on September 18 while the family slept, and attacked the male occupant when he confronted them, as children aged from nine to 15 watched from the landing.
After ushering her children into a bedroom, the woman went to help her partner and the intruders threatened to shoot her. They fled after she told them she had called police.
Inquiry head Detective Sergeant Eddie Lyttle said today the inquiry was proceeding well but they had yet to find the offenders.
"We've had some pretty good feedback from the public, but it hasn't really directed us to the main suspects yet," he said.
Mr Lyttle said further public help was needed to find the offenders.
He called on anyone who overheard the men talking about the incident or anyone close to the offenders to come forward.
One offender was about 176cm tall, wearing a dark green balaclava, a dark hoodie and long dark pants. The second was believed to be a Maori in his 30s, about 182cm tall, wearing a grey hoodie and dark pants.
- NZPA
Hunt for home invaders continues
Photo / Martin Sykes
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