KEY POINTS:
A 17 year-old youth has been arrested and charged over the brutal assault of an elderly man in his home in Dobson, 10km from Greymouth.
West Coast acting area commander Senior Sergeant Stu Koefoed said the youth, from Dobson, would appear in Greymouth District Court tomorrow.
He has been charged with assault and further charges were pending.
The 74-year-old man victim was saved from his smoke filled home about 8.30pm on Monday by neighbours who heard his smoke alarm going off.
He was dragged outside after he was discovered lying beaten on the floor on his home.
Mr Koefoed said the man was still in Wellington Hospital.
"He is in a stable, but serious condition and has still not regained consciousness."
The man's name had not been released as police were still trying to trace relatives.
- NZPA
