Men in court over violent home invasion

File photo / Martin Sykes

Three men will appear in court today on charges connected to a violent home invasion that saw six people held hostage in Wellington.

Three masked men smashed their way into a Madras St house at about 10.45pm yesterday, armed with a long sword and wooden stick.

They held six people in the lounge, demanding cash and property and allegedly making threats.

A seventh occupant was assaulted by one of the offenders while on his way upstairs.

He managed to escape to a neighbouring property and raise the alarm.

The offenders' car was found by Lower Hutt police at 11.30pm in Upper Hutt.

Three men, aged 26, 32 and 33, face charges including aggravated burglary, kidnapping, injuring with intent to injure and threatening grievous bodily harm.

The assault victim has been discharged from hospital after treatment overnight.

- NZHERALD STAFF