Intruders savagely bash mother in home

A North Shore mother awoke to dark-clothed men in her room, before being "savagely" beaten with a blunt instrument and critically injured.

But police believe it was not a random attack as one of the intruders used the nickname of person living at the Anne McLean Drive home in Glenfield, early yesterday.

"While they were there, they have asked for someone else, using a nickname," said Detective Senior Sergeant Kim Libby.

He said the woman's shoulder and jaw were broken, several teeth were knocked out and she also suffered severe cuts and bruising to the face.

"Luckily, she did not receive any brain injuries."

The men, some of whom were disguised in balaclavas and others in hoodies, stole a laptop and cellphones.

Mr Libby said the house was known to police, but not for major crime.

The 48-year-old woman was last night in a serious but stable condition at Middlemore Hospital. She is due to undergo surgery today.

A neighbour recalled hearing smashing glass about 2.30am yesterday - when she was on the internet - but thought nothing of it as there was often trouble at the house.

"They were constantly having parties, constantly having arguments," the neighbour said.

Another neighbour said that when they first moved in, there were always people running up and down the driveway and in the reserve along-side.

Officers were yesterday speaking to people in the street while forensic specialists took samples and examined the scene.