Intruder sprays woman, 94, with petrol

The 94-year-old woman, Marie Henery, was confronted by the man, who was armed with a knife, at her home in Blackalls Park, Lake Macquarie, about 9.30pm on Friday.

The man sprayed petrol in her face, then dragged her into the living room, where he attempted to gag her before leaving her on the floor.

Several rooms of the woman's house were ransacked before the man ran from the scene. It was not known if anything was stolen.

The victim alerted neighbours, who contacted police. She was treated by ambulance paramedics, and did not need to go to hospital.

"She is very old and we don't see her much because she doesn't leave the house that often," a Blackalls Park businesswoman said yesterday. "But what I can say is that she is a very courageous woman."

Police said the woman was recovering. "She is obviously in a bit of shock but, apart from that, [she is] rather well," Inspector Craig Reid said.

Police said the offender was of thin build and about 183 centimetres tall. They said he was wearing a dark hooded jumper.

Anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.