Two teenage boys have been charged following an alleged home invasion in Collarenebri on Sunday 30 November.

Police say they were called to a house on Herbert Street at about 11:40am, where they were told a boy allegedly entered the home, assaulted a 85-year-old occupant and stole his car key.

A police spokesperson said the boy then allegedly left the scene in the man’s vehicle before police got there.

"A short time later, police stopped the vehicle on Queen Street, Collarenebri," the spokesperson said.

"The two occupants – boys aged 15 and 16 – ran from the vehicle.

"They were arrested nearby following a foot pursuit and taken to Walgett Police Station."

Walgett Police Station. [IMAGE: River McCrossen] 

The spokesperson said the 16-year-old boy was charged with break and enter and stealing offences, and driving without ever being licensed.

He was refused bail to appear before a children’s court today (Monday 1 December).

The 15-year-old boy was charged with riding in a vehicle taken without the owner's consent.

He was granted conditional bail to appear before a children’s court on Monday 8 December.