Update
A TEENAGE boy has been arrested and charged with the indecent assault and robbery of an elderly lady at her home at Petra Avenue on Wednesday.
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Oxley Police District officers attended a home on Robert Street following inquiries at about 4:45pm on Wednesday, it was there they arrested the boy.
He was taken to Tamworth Police Station and charged with aggravated break, enter and steal, aggravated break and enter - commit serious indictable offence, aggravated indecent assault and breach of bail.
The 14-year-old was refused bail and kept behind bars overnight, he will face Tamworth Children's Court Magistrate Julie Soars this morning.
Police will address the media at 9:30am about the alleged offence as officers search for the second boy believed to be involved in the incident.
More to come.
Earlier
AN ELDERLY woman who lives alone has been assaulted and robbed on Petra Avenue.
In the early hours of Wednesday morning, two young men dressed in black broke into the woman's home through the back door.
The intruders demanded money from the 82-year-old before ransacking the property and assaulting her.
A review of CCTV in the area revealed Petra Avenue, Woodward and Robert Streets were busy at the time and Oxley District Police Chief Inspector Jeff Budd has appealed to the public for information.
"I can't think there's a sane person in our community who thinks it's okay to target an elderly person, rob them, scare them, invade their homes and steal their property," he said.
"I think it's an atrocious crime.
"We're just fortunate no one was seriously injured, but it's our job to lock them up and that's what we're trying to do."
The offenders stole an Apple iPad and cash from the old woman's home before they fled the scene.
Overnight a Ford Ranger Wildtrak four-wheel drive sedan was stolen from Croydon Avenue and police believe the crimes are linked.
The vehicle is still outstanding.
The offenders are described as young men about 5'7" to 5'10" tall and were in the home for 15 minutes before they fled the scene at about 5:30am.
The victim received minor injuries in the "push and shove" assault, Inspector Budd said.
"It's disgraceful, anyone who wants to assault an elderly woman should be ashamed of themselves," he said.
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"I can't imagine a parent who would condone that sort of conduct, it's a community issue and lets see it resolved by having the community involved."
It's believed the incident was an opportunistic break-and-enter. Quite a number of vehicles were in the area at the time and people were using the Robert Street ATM.
Police urge anyone who was in the area at the time or has further information to contact Tamworth Police Station or Crime Stoppers.
Madeline Link
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
