Police are investigating a violent home invasion in Yea, Victoria, which left a 68-year-old farmer severely injured and his home destroyed by fire. The incident occurred on June 23 when three armed intruders, equipped with firearms and a machete, confronted the farmer shortly after 1 am.
It is believed the attackers may have mistakenly targeted the wrong individual. After demanding cash and firearms, they assaulted the victim, blindfolded him, and forced him into the boot of his own car. The assailants drove him to a nearby paddock and continued to assault him before dousing him in petrol and setting his house ablaze, which resulted in total destruction.
The farmer sustained serious injuries, including significant head lacerations, a broken finger, and other wounds, suggesting he was pistol-whipped during the attack. Detective Sergeant Flyn Loughlin described the incident as “extremely vicious, violent, and cowardly,” highlighting the trauma inflicted on an elderly man who lives alone in a remote area. Despite his physical injuries, Loughlin noted the emotional recovery from such a shocking violation of personal safety would take much longer.
The attackers fled the scene with three firearms belonging to the victim, and no arrests have yet been made. Witnesses described the offenders as appearing Middle Eastern and reported that they communicated in Arabic during the incident. Police are actively exploring the possibility that the home invasion was not premeditated and that the attackers were indeed after a different target.
Authorities are appealing for public assistance, urging anyone with additional information, including those who may have CCTV or dashcam footage, to come forward. Information can be relayed to Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 or via their website. Police especially want to connect with an anonymous caller who previously provided tips regarding the attack.