A Coles Bay man has been taken to hospital after being tied up and assaulted during a targeted home invasion early this morning where his house was set on fire and destroyed.
Tasmania Police said two men wearing face coverings and armed with a crowbar allegedly entered the residence at about 5am on Saturday. Police allege the two offenders assaulted the homeowner, causing non-life-threatening injuries.
In a media release issued Saturday morning, police said the offenders demanded access to a firearms safe. They allegedly stole nine registered firearms and a sum of cash before setting fire to the house, which was destroyed in the blaze.
Emergency services were called to the scene around 7am following reports of the fire. According to the police statement, officers arrived to find the homeowner had been secured with cable ties inside the house and then dragged outside by the two offenders before they fled.
The ABC reported the man was the sole occupant of the house. The man was transported by ambulance to the Royal Hobart Hospital for treatment of his injuries, Tasmania Police confirmed.
The offenders allegedly stole the resident’s vehicle, a white 1998 Toyota Hilux single cab with a distinctive red tarp, three spotlights and a light bar.
Detective Inspector David Gill said that while the investigation is in its early stages, police believe the incident was targeted.
Police are calling for public assistance and have urged anyone who saw suspicious activity in the Coles Bay area around the time of the home invasion to contact them. They are particularly appealing for sightings of the stolen Toyota Hilux.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Tasmania Police on 131 444, quoting reference number 810474.
As reported in the original story by ABC News, this incident has shocked the local community. You can read their full report here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-07-11/tasmanian-man-tied-up-house-burnt-thieves-nine-guns-car/106905036.