An elderly woman was attacked in her Casebrook home early this morning and police are appealing for help to identify the person.
The woman was woken by a man who attacked her at about 5am this morning. When she appealed to him to leave her alone he was eventually contrite and left.
This is the second similar attack in this area, this month. On 3 December at another Casebrook address, a woman in her seventies was approached by a man who knocked at her door at 1pm and used a pretext to get into the house. He began to attack her but also left when she appealed to him to stop.
Detective Senior Sergeant Grant Wormald of Papanui Police says that the two incidents are similar and while there is nothing to link them at this time, this aspect is being investigated. In both incidents the man indicated he would go to someone for help.
"We appeal to anyone out there who may have been approached by this man for help or who recognises this description, to please contact us immediately. This man needs help and we would like to identify him before someone gets badly hurt," he says.
The man from the 3 December attack is described as a male caucasian, in his late 20’s, early 30’s,about 170 cm tall, with dark hair. He was riding a dark coloured bike and wearing a white cycle helmet.
Due the circumstances of the offence early this morning the only description available for that offender is that it was a male person.
Anyone who has been approached can contact Detective Senior Sergeant Wormald in confidence, 374 1763.
"There are more inquiries to be made and there could be more information available tomorrow," he says.
The first woman attacked was badly shaken.
The second woman attacked sustained bad bruising and facial injuries.
Detective Senior Sergeant Wormald says that everyone should take a little extra care with personal and home security.
He says to be careful if some one comes to the door with a hard luck story or says they are lost.
"I suggest you keep the door locked or on the chain and make any phone calls for them. Please call the police immediately if you have any concerns or worries," he says. "Just dial 111."