An elderly New South Wales man has been praised for protecting himself and his wife after allegedly shooting an intruder who police say stabbed the couple during a violent home invasion.
The incident unfolded shortly after midnight on Thursday at a rural property near Torrington, a small community in the state’s New England region.
Police allege a 34-year-old man entered the home of a 75-year-old man and his 72-year-old wife before attacking them with a knife.
According to investigators, the woman suffered a serious chest wound and collapsed inside the home, while her husband sustained a deep abdominal injury.
Despite his injuries, the man managed to call Triple Zero for help as emergency services were dispatched from nearby Tenterfield and Glen Innes.
Police allege the younger man then moved outside onto the veranda before attempting to re-enter the home. It was at that point that the 75-year-old resident retrieved a registered firearm and shot the alleged intruder.
Detective Superintendent Chris McKinnon said the older man acted to protect himself and his wife during an extremely dangerous situation.
“He certainly did his best under very difficult circumstances to defend himself and his partner,” Superintendent McKinnon told reporters.
The firearm involved was a legally registered long-arm and police say only one shot was fired.
The elderly couple received emergency treatment at the scene before being airlifted to Gold Coast University Hospital. Both remain in a critical but stable condition.
The alleged attacker was treated for a gunshot wound before being taken to Armidale Hospital under police guard. He is reported to be in a serious but stable condition.
Police have since charged the 34-year-old man with two counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to murder. He was refused bail and was scheduled to appear before court on Thursday.
Investigators say the man was not known to the couple and, at this stage, there is no indication that property was stolen during the incident.
The motive behind the alleged attack remains unclear.
Speaking on Thursday, Superintendent McKinnon noted that Australian law allows people to use reasonable force in self-defence, although he said all circumstances surrounding the shooting would form part of the ongoing investigation.
The incident has shocked the close-knit rural community, with a friend of the couple describing them as kind and generous neighbours who regularly shared produce from their property with others in the area.
A crime scene remains in place as detectives continue inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the alleged home invasion.
