Boy, 15, arrested over rape of 84-year-old woman in Perth, Australia

It came after an assailant broke into the woman’s home while she slept then sexually assault her before he burgled the property

Police arrested the teenager after a two-day search for the assailant who attacked the pensioner in Waikiki (REUTERS)

A 15-year-old teenager has been arrested after an 84-year-old pensioner was robbed and raped in her home, police said.

The woman had been sleeping when an assailant smashed his way into the house in the Waikiki area of Perth, Australia before he pinned her to ground and sexually assaulted her.

He then forced the woman to wash herself in a shower in a bid to clean away any DNA evidence of the attack before he ransacked the property, according to reports.

The woman, who lives alone, was left badly injured and traumatised after the assault. She was hospitalised overnight but released the next day following the attack on Friday.

Police on Sunday arrested a 15-year old over the assault.

Forensics officers have been combing through the woman’s home for DNA evidence in order to build up a case for prosecutors.

Senior Constable Rulan Carr spoke out after the attack, warning elderly people who live alone to be vigilant.

She said in a report in ABC News website in Australia: "In relation to her welfare, we're glad to say she is doing well considering what she has endured and it is our hope that we can resolve this matter for her and for her family as soon as possible.

"It is an opportunity now to say to our community members of all ages, but especially the more vulnerable, that you can never be too safe.

"If you are living alone, you are especially vulnerable so take the time to obviously keep your houses secure, keep an eye on each other, do the neighbourly thing and obviously report stuff that is suspicious to police.”