Teen arrested for sex assault on elderly woman

A teenage boy has been arrested after a woman in her 70s was sexually assaulted in her Taranaki home early this morning.

The 17-year-old, also a resident of the Taranaki town of Eltham, was arrested by police about 12.30 today - about six hours after the 6.15am attack.

He faces three counts of sexual violation, one assault with intent to commit sexual violation, one count of burglary and one of being unlawfully on a property.

The elderly woman subjected to the assault has been released from hospital and was in the care of family.

"She is still obviously very shocked," police central districts communications manager Kim Perks said.

"It's a small community, and we got a list of possible names very early on and went from there."

Detective Senior Sergeant Keith Borrell extended his thanks to the Eltham community for its quick and helpful response, leading to the early arrest.

The teenager would appear in Hawera District Court this afternoon, or the New Plymouth District Court tomorrow, Ms Perks said.

- NZPA