The Tongan-Chinese family who were struggling  to come to terms with the vicious attack of their mother had been dealt another blow.

Ellen Yu, 58, was in hospital and is now reportedly gaining consciousness after the assault on Thursday 17.

To make matters worse, their convenience store in Pahu was burgled yesterday Sunday 20 while the family were away in hospital to see their mother.

Police said they have arrested a 33-year-old man from Kanokupolu with goods believed he had stolen from the store.

Police confiscated a laptop and  cigarettes from the suspect.

He had been charged with theft and burglary and was expected to appear at Fasi Magistrate court this week.