Attack at home leaves woman bashed, bruised
Tokoroa Police are investigating the attack on a woman assaulted during an attempted home robbery last week.
The attack, which left 41-year-old Tokoroa mother Maxine Lozell with bruises on her face and torso, occurred last Tuesday evening when she confronted a man rummaging through her garage.
‘‘ My husband and son had gone to mow lawns, then I heard the gate open, I heard it scrape on the ground and I thought it was them,’’ Mrs Lozell said.
‘‘Then I saw someone in the shed going through all our stuff. So I went out there and asked if I could help him, then he came at me.’’
The male who, Mrs Lozell describes as being Maori or Polynesian in his 20s, of solid build and about 5ft 8in (173cm) tall, ran towards her and punched her in her right eye and the back of the head which forced her to the ground.
He then kicked her on the right side of her torso causing extensive bruising before running away.
Mrs Lozell believes the man escaped using the alley that runs on to Kaka Cres.
Tokoroa Senior Sergeant Graeme Hill described the attack as ‘‘cowardly’’.
‘‘Police are investigating this matter and hope the public will come forward with information.’’
If you have any information about this case please contact the Tokoroa police on 885 0100.