A suspected home invader who inflicted life-threatening stab wounds on an elderly couple at a rural NSW property was shot by one of the residents before emergency services arrived at the scene, police allege.
A 75-year-old man and 72-year-old woman were at their remote Torrington property in the Northern Tablelands around 12.15am on Thursday when a 34-year-old man allegedly forced entry into the home, stabbing the woman in the chest and slashing the man across the abdomen.
The 75-year-old man grabbed a knife from the kitchen, police allege, and wounded the younger man who retreated outside to the verandah. The homeowner called Triple Zero, loaded a firearm and allegedly shot the younger man in the stomach when he attempted to re-enter the house, police believe.
Police from Tenterfield and Glen Innes and NSW ambulance paramedics rushed to the home, where the couple was treated for stab wounds before being airlifted to Gold Coast Hospital in a critical condition.
The alleged home invader was not known to the couple, police believe.
The 34-year-old was transported to Armidale Hospital under police guard in a serious but stable condition. New England Police District Commander Superintendent Chris McKinnon said the man has been charged with two counts of wounding with intent to murder.
“The 34-year-old male has been charged with a couple of offences … he’s still in Armidale Hospital receiving treatment, at some stage he will face court,” McKinnon told radio 2GB.
“They [the older man and woman] are both up in the Gold Coast … both in critical but stable condition at the moment, hopefully they’re able to pull through.”
Police believe the older man is a licensed gun holder.
A crime scene has been established at the property, and an investigation into the circumstances leading to the alleged home invasion is under way.
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Daniel Lo Surdo is a breaking news reporter for The Sydney Morning Herald. He previously helmed the national news live blog for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age.Connect via email.From our partners
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: www.smh.com.au
