Police are appealing for public assistance following an aggravated break and enter in the state's west this morning.
About 4am today (Saturday 19 January 2019), a man entered a home on Ryan Lane, Broken Hill, and attempted to steal a wallet and phone from a table in the loungeroom, before being confronted by a 71-year-old male resident.
The two men became involved in a physical altercation, before the unknown man took a wallet and phone and left through a window.
He was last seen running towards Creedon Street.
The 71-year-old man contacted police, before officers from Barrier Police District attended and established a crime scene.
He was taken to Broken Hill Base Hospital to be treated for lacerations to his face.
Police are appealing for information about a man described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, about 180cm-185cm tall, with a slim build.
He was last seen wearing a black hooded jumper, and dark coloured jeans.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.
