Yea home invasion and fire may have been a case of mistaken identity, police reveal
Police believed three offenders who seriously injured a man and burnt down his home during an aggravated burglary north of Melbourne may have targeted the wrong victim.
Investigators appealed for information from the public as they continued to investigate the incident on the Melba Highway at Yea on Monday, June 23.
The 68-year-old victim told police the three offenders arrived at his rural property about 1:15am, armed with guns and a machete.
He said they demanded money and firearms, blindfolded and assaulted him, and dragged him from his house into the boot of his car.
The man said the vehicle was driven part way down his driveway before he was forced out of the boot and into a paddock where he was again assaulted and had petrol poured over him before his house was set alight.
Police said three firearms used for farming were stolen from the property.
The man told police he did not know his attackers, with investigators believing they may have gone to the wrong address.
The victim has described the men as being of Middle Eastern appearance and said he believed they spoke Arabic during the incident.
Detective Sergeant Flyn Loughlin said there had been an anonymous report to Crime Stoppers that gave some details about the incident.
He said detectives were urging the caller to make further contact with police to provide additional information.
"We need assistance from the public to help us identify the three offenders."
Anyone who witnessed the incident, has CCTV or dashcam footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
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