Riversdale home invasion: Major update in alleged attack on Perth mum

A teenage boy has been charged after allegedly bashing a mother with a mallet during an attempted burglary. 

Police allege a 15-year-old boy broke into mother-of-two Kristy Dunlop's home in Riversdale, in Perth's inner-east, on Good Friday.

He allegedly attempted to steal a laptop before Ms Dunlop, 55, intervened. 

The pair struggled before the teen allegedly bashed her on the head with a mallet, leaving her needing six staples. 

He has been charged with aggravated home burglary and aggravated armed robbery and will face court today. 

Ms Dunlop told 9News that her six-year-old son, who is terrified of strangers in the house, 'literally witnessed his worst nightmare'.

Ms Dunlop said she and her husband accidentally left the garage door up when they got home.

They did not realise the door was up, and while putting her six-year-old to bed Ms Dunlop heard a noise in the kitchen.

CCTV footage from a neighbour allegedly captured a person entering the home about 9:15pm.

When Ms Dunlop when to investigate, she saw a person allegedly taking her laptop.

'I came out and confronted him and grabbed him, he sort of yelled to let him go,' Ms Dunlop said.

'We've struggled down the hallway, he dropped my laptop.'

Police allege that after a struggle, the boy delivered a 'massive whack to the head' with a mallet. 

He also allegedly stole a mobile phone and car keys after Ms Dunlop's husband chased him from the home. 

'I think in reality I'm lucky, it could have been a lot worse. It could have been my kids,' Ms Dunlop said.

'My six-year-old, who has trouble sleeping because he's afraid of someone coming into the house or breaking in, has now literally witnessed his worst nightmare and that's really hard as a parent.'