A 76-year-old man is in a serious condition at the Royal Hobart Hospital following a violent home invasion on the East Coast early Saturday morning, according to Tasmania Police.
Police allege two men wearing face coverings and armed with a crowbar broke into a Coles Bay Road property at about 5 am on 11 July. In a statement, Tasmania Police said the homeowner was assaulted and secured with cable ties before being dragged outside.
The offenders allegedly demanded access to a firearms safe, stealing nine registered firearms and a sum of cash. Before leaving the property, the offenders allegedly set fire to the house, which was destroyed.
The 76-year-old man was transported to the Royal Hobart Hospital for treatment of various assault wounds, which police believe are non-life-threatening.
Tasmania Police said the offenders also stole the resident’s vehicle, a white 1998 Toyota Hilux single cab. The vehicle was located later that afternoon, almost fully submerged under the Apsley River Bridge on Coles Bay Road, near the Tasman Highway intersection.
In a statement, Detective Inspector David Gill said police believe the incident was targeted. Police are continuing to seek at least two male offenders and are appealing for information from the public.
Investigators have asked anyone who saw a white 1998 Toyota Hilux, fitted with a red Hiab crane, three spotlights and a light bar, or witnessed any suspicious activity on Coles Bay Road early Saturday morning to contact Police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.