Woman injured in home invasion

A man will appear in court this afternoon following a home invasion in Dannevirke.

The incident occurred around 4am yesterday morning (Tuesday, 30 August).

The victim, a woman in her 20s awoke to find a man standing by her bed. He struck the woman over the head with a shovel causing a large laceration. There was then an attempt to sexually assault the woman but she fought back and eventually the man left the house.

The woman was the only adult in the house at the time of the incident. A young child was also in the house but the man did not approach or harm the child in any way. The woman was treated at hospital for her head injury,

An 18-year-old man from Dannevirke was arrested later in the day following enquiries by Police. He has now been charged with aggravated burglary, wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and assault with intent to commit sexual violation and will appear at Palmerston North District Court today.

Police want to hear from anyone who saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area of High Street, Cole Street or Mathew Street in the early hours of yesterday morning.

Anyone with information relevant to this investigation is asked to contact Det Sgt Graham Perks at Dannevirke Police on 06 374 4513. Alternatively information can be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

ENDS

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