Police want help from the public to find a man who attacked and sexually violated an 87-year-old Hastings woman about midday on Thursday.
Detective Senior Sergeant Dave Greig says the elderly victim was attacked as she checked her mailbox on Ikanui Road near the intersection with Frimley Oaks.
Mr Greig says the man dragged the elderly woman back into her house before subjecting her to a serious sexual assault.
A family member discovered the woman at her home in a distressed state a few hours later and she was treated for her injuries.
Mr Greig says the man has been described as being dark skinned and was wearing a green hoodie or similar clothing.
Anyone who has seen a man matching this description in the Frimley area over the past few days should contact police.
