Four people are in hospital and two dogs have serious injuries after they were attacked by five men carrying machetes and knives in a terrifying overnight home invasion in the New South Wales Hunter region.
Emergency services were called to a home in Forbes Street at Muswellbrook just after 1:00am following reports of an aggravated robbery.
Police said the five assailants, who were wearing balaclavas and also armed with a hammer, forced their way into the house and assaulted the occupants.
Crime Manager Detective Inspector Matt Zimmer said a series of violent confrontations occurred after two pet dogs attacked two of the intruders when they demanded money.
"It was at this time that two of the intruders have commenced to stab the two dogs using machetes," Detective Inspector Zimmer said.
"A 59-year-old male occupant has a possible fractured skull after he was struck to the head with a hammer and his 19-year-old daughter has a possible fractured jaw.
"A 47-year-old woman in the house attempted to go to the aid of one of her dogs which was being stabbed.
"She has a significant wound to her arm as a result of being struck with a machete."
He said that the woman's 20-year-old son was struck to the head and has a possible bleed on the brain.
All four remain in John Hunter Hospital in a serious but stable condition.
Dogs struck with machetes
Detective Inspector Zimmer said the dogs, a great dane cross and bull mastiff cross, are in a serious condition.
"They're both suffering from significant blunt-force trauma to their heads, they're both suffering stab wounds to their faces and bodies," he said.
Police believe at least two of the offenders were bitten by the dogs.
"I have no doubt that the actions of the two dogs have caused a significant deterrent and the offenders have left the scene as a result of being bitten by the dogs," Detective Inspector Zimmer said.
Police believe attackers are locals
Police are appealing for the public's help to identify the five men involved in the home invasion, as they believe they are likely to be locals because they fled on foot.
Police have spent Saturday canvassing residents of Forbes Street and the surrounding neighbourhood as part of the investigation.
"There will be people in the community who know who these individuals are," he said.
"I'd encourage them to consider the seriousness of this incident, the nature of those injuries and the fact that the two dogs have also been injured as well, and they may not make it.
"The fact that these individuals have gone to the house armed with weapons clearly shows their intention and propensity for violence."
Detective Inspector Zimmer said the victims were known to police, and while they believe it was a targeted attack, there was no information to suggest it was related to bikies or drugs.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Muswellbrook Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
