Six arrested after intruders assault sleeping occupant in New Plymouth house

Six people were arrested after a group of intruders broke into a home on Tumai Street in the Spotswood suburb of New Plymouth around 10:30 pm and assaulted a sleeping occupant. The victim sustained serious injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment.

Detective Sergeant Chris Allemann said two suspects were located nearby with the help of a police dog unit, while a vehicle linked to the incident was tracked to an address in Hamilton where four additional suspects were taken into custody. An 18‑year‑old man is due to appear in the New Plymouth District Court charged with aggravated burglary and possessing a knife in a public place, and a female will appear in Youth Court. Charges for the four people arrested in Hamilton are still being considered. Police described the event as isolated and said there is no further risk to the public, while appealing for information from anyone who saw suspicious activity on Tumai Street.