Police seek clues to vicious bashing

85-year-old bashing victim Louis Watts. Photo supplied

Police have this afternoon been speaking to an elderly man who was seriously injured during a home invasion attack in a south Auckland retirement village last night.

85-year-old Louis Watts remains in a serious condition in Auckland Hospital.

Police said Mr Watts was assaulted when he confronted an intruder in his unit at the Seventh Day Adventist Retirement Village in Wiri, about 7.30pm.

Detective Senior Sergeant Karyn Malthus said Mr Watts was the sole occupant of his home.

"It seems the offender punched the victim at least once, causing him to be knocked unconscious for about one and half hours," Ms Malthus said.

Doctors said Mr Watts had suffered broken facial bones, bruising to his eyes and cuts to the back of his head and was in a serious but stable condition.

"He's been up and is due to speak to us this afternoon, and I understand he's very keen to speak to police," Ms Malthus told NZPA.

"One of the fears we always have with the elderly is whether they will come back to us after being beaten like this but he's able to speak and he seems to be doing well at the moment."

A laptop and camera are believed to have been stolen during the assault.

"I warn anyone who may now be in possession of these items that they risk being associated with this serious assault on a vulnerable elderly man," Ms Malthus said.

Police are also investigating a reported sighting of a suspicious male at the Great South Road retirement village earlier in the evening.

The offender has been described as a "portly" Maori or Polynesian and is believed to be middle aged.

Police were in the area earlier today speaking to neighbours and residents and a scene examination is under way.

Retirement village management released a statement this afternoon in which they expressed their deep shock at the events of last night, and emphasised that the security of all residents was their primary concern.

Anyone who with information on the attack should call police on 027 257 2759.

- NZHERALD STAFF, with NZPA