Police close in an elderly couple's attacker

Police say they are following a strong line of inquiry in the hunt for a teenager who viciously beat up an elderly couple in their New Plymouth home at the weekend.

The 74-year-old man and his 65-year-old wife are reported to be recovering well after returning to their Wallath Rd house from hospital.

The teenage attacker, described as a tall, thin, Caucasian with brown wavy hair and dark clothing, broke into the house about 10pm on Saturday and attacked the couple with a weapon.

The victims were left with bruising and lacerations and were detained in Taranaki Base Hospital overnight.

Police described the attack as vicious, despicable, and unprovoked.

Detective Pat Yates said police, friends and Victim Support were keeping a close eye on the couple, who had no family in the area.

Police were following a strong line of inquiry, helped by calls from the public, he told the Taranaki Daily News.

- NZPA