An 85-year-old man is in hospital with serious head injuries after a home invasion late Monday.

Saanich police were alerted to an incident on James Heights, a small street just off Maplewood Road and bordering Cedar Hill Golf Course, about 10:20 p.m.

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Police were told someone had forced his way into the home, which was occupied by the man and his 59-year-old daughter.

Both residents were assaulted. The woman was able to run to a neighbouring home for help and was treated at the scene for minor injuries

Police pored over the home and talked to neighbours in the area on Tuesday, said Saanich police Sgt. Steve Eassie.

There was a bushy area of the golf course near the house, but police said there was nothing to indicate that provided any sort of cover for the assailant. “It’s really unknown as to why that house was targeted.”

Jim Westhead, who lives a few houses away, said he heard a man yelling and headed outside.

“He was screaming: ‘Help! Call 911!’ ”

Westhead said he ran up the street but didn’t know where to go from there.

“It was dead quiet then, I wasn’t sure which direction the ‘Help’ came from.”

He started edging back toward his house, then saw a car speed out of a driveway. “It took off like a rocket ship.”

Westhead found out later that his elderly neighbour just up the street was the one calling for assistance. The neighbourhood is usually quiet, he said. “Not too much happens here.”

A 1999 brown Toyota Camry was stolen from the home, Eassie said, and was likely taken by the man to make his getaway.

The vehicle has not been found and police are asking people to report any sightings. The B.C. licence plate is HWM 644.

The man is described as a man in his late 20s or early 30s, about six feet tall and with a heavy build. He was wearing a white T-shirt and dark pants.

Saanich police ask anyone with information to call the major crime tip line at 250-475-4356 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

jwbell@timescolonist.com