Christchurch police are investigating a violent home invasion that happened in Opawa early Sunday morning.

An 18 year old woman was returning home at 3.44AM when she disturbed an offender trying to gain access to her garage on Fifield Terrace.

A nearby resident, who didn’t want to be named, said the 18-year-old screamed in fear and was then viciously attacked by the offender.

The woman’s screams woke up her father, who lives with her. He was also seriously assaulted by the offender.

Both family members suffered severe facial bruising, with one suffering a broken nose according to neighbours.

one neighbour said both family members were traumatised by the attack.

Police have confirmed an aggravated robbery took place on Fifield Terrace.

A spokeswoman told Chris lynch police believe “the intervention of the family member stopped any further assault on the person.”

The offender left the scene before police arrived.

St John ambulance spokesman Gerard Campbell said two patients suffered moderate injuries and were both taken to Christchurch Hospital by ambulance.

Police are asking anyone in the Opawa area who had property disturbed on Saturday evening or Sunday morning or has information that would assist the enquiry to come forward.