Pensioner recovering following assault by burglar

Louis Watts was punched after challenging the burglar in his rest home unit. Photo / Supplied

An 85-year-old pensioner assaulted by a burglar in his Auckland retirement village is recovering and walking around despite his injuries.

Louis Watts was attacked at his Bethesda Village unit in Wiri on Thursday night. When he challenged the intruder verbally, he was punched to the ground.

He suffered a broken cheek, a suspected broken jaw and cuts to the back of the head.

But police said last night that he was recovering well.

"He's been able to get up and about and walk a bit, which is excellent news," said Detective Senior Sergeant Karyn Malthus.

However, Mr Watts was still in a lot of pain and struggled to talk.

Ms Malthus said police were investigating a number of possible suspects and reports of suspicious behaviour in the area.

She said there was nothing to suggest the intruder knew Mr Watts, but insisted crime was never random.

"However, I think the choice of

victim could be. The person was there to commit a crime, but he or she just happened to pick that house."

Family members expressed disgust at the "cowardly animal" or "scumbag" behind it.

Mr Watts lost his laptop in the burglary.

Police believe the intruder gained access to Mr Watts' unit through an unsecured bathroom window.

Ms Malthus said police were working with Bethesda Village residents to quell fear and reinforce the importance of keeping a secure home.

Jon Marshall, the chief executive of Bethesda Village, said residents were upset by the incident.

"We are taking the situation very seriously and will continue to work closely with the police to find the attacker of our elderly resident."

Anyone with information on the attack is asked to call 0800 SEVENTH (0800 738368).