Nine people attacked in home invasion

Police are investigating a home invasion on Trinity Cres in Napier on Saturday. Photo / Warren Buckland

Nine people were attacked and robbed after three men burst into a Napier house wielding a crowbar and a hammer this weekend.

Police are investigating the early morning home invasion at a house on Trinity Cres in Pirimai, on Saturday.

Nine adults and two children were at the address when they were confronted by the three men, who wore hoodies and bandanas over their faces, police said.

The two children were asleep in another part of the house, and were unharmed.

Constable Mike Kaye, of Napier CIB, said the offenders attacked several of the people present with the weapons and their fists, demanded and then took several items of personal property before leaving.

The victims were not seriously injured and did not need hospital treatment.

Police were not releasing details of the items taken.

"We are looking at possible motives for this act of violence and are keeping an open mind as to what may be behind it," Mr Kaye said.

"Offending such as this is not acceptable in our community."

Detective Sergeant Nic Clere said police were still trying to assess whether the victims had any connection to the offenders.

Mr Clere said the men used fear and intimidation to overpower the nine occupants.

"They were intimidating and they used fear and the fact they had weapons to control the other people in the house," he said.

Police wanted to hear from anyone who had information about the offenders or may have seen their vehicle around the time of the incident, about 1am on Saturday.

The offenders used a vehicle described as a red-coloured SUV, similar to Toyota RAV or Honda CRV.

This morning residents were shocked to hear of the incident happening on their street.

"All we know is what we heard on the radio," said one resident.
"It's very shocking."

Anyone with information can contact Mr Kaye at Napier police, phone 831 0700, or anonymously on Crimestoppers, phone 0800 555 111.

- Hawkes Bay Today