Auckland Police Hunt Two Suspects After Brutal Home Invasion, Leaves Elderly Resident Critically Injured

Auckland, New Zealand— Police locked down a residential street in west Auckland shortly after 11 p.m. Friday after an elderly homeowner was found injured inside his own house following a violent robbery. Officers said two intruders forced entry and assaulted the man before taking property and fleeing on foot. Paramedics took him to hospital in a serious but stable condition.

The call came from a neighbor who heard shouting and a loud crash. Police arrived within minutes to find the front door smashed open and the 78-year-old victim on the floor of his living room. Detectives said the house had been ransacked. Drawers were pulled out. A safe in the bedroom was open and empty.

"This was a targeted and cowardly attack on a vulnerable person in his own home," a senior sergeant on scene told reporters. He said the offenders wore dark clothing and face coverings and left through a rear alleyway. Police dogs tracked a scent to a nearby reserve but lost it near a road.

Neighbors said the street is usually quiet. One woman who lives two doors down said she saw a light-colored sedan idling with its lights off around the time of the attack. She didn't think much of it at the time. Now police want to speak to anyone who saw that vehicle or has dashcam footage from between 10:30 p.m. and 11:15 p.m.

St John Ambulance confirmed they transported one patient to Auckland City Hospital with head and upper body injuries. The man remains under observation. Family members have been notified and were at the hospital late Friday. Officers have been stationed outside the house overnight to guard the scene.

Forensics teams worked through the early hours collecting fingerprints and DNA from the doorway, broken glass, and kitchen bench. Investigators believe the intruders knew the man lived alone. They took cash, jewelry and electronic devices. The exact value is still being tallied. Police said there was no sign the victim knew his attackers.

The attack has rattled the community. A local residents association said burglaries have risen in recent months but nothing like this. "People are scared to sleep with windows open now," one resident said. Police increased patrols in the area and urged residents to lock doors, install sensor lights and report suspicious behavior immediately.

Detectives are now reviewing CCTV from dairies and petrol stations within a two-kilometer radius. No arrests have been made. Officers are asking anyone with private security footage to upload it via the police 105 portal. The investigation remains open and active.