Three Charged
A Melbourne father is recovering in hospital after being stabbed 11 times during a violent aggravated home invasion in Kew East. The shocking attack, which unfolded in the early hours of the morning, has left a family traumatised and sparked fresh concerns over violent crime in Victoria.
The Incident
Police allege that a gang of five offenders stormed the Oxford Street home just before 4am, armed with a knife, machete, and garden shears taken from the family’s shed. Once inside, the group allegedly forced the 39-year-old father and his 34-year-old wife into separate rooms. In the struggle, the father was stabbed multiple times as he tried to fight back against the intruders.
The couple’s two young children, aged two and three, remained asleep throughout the terrifying ordeal. Their mother suffered minor injuries while attempting to protect her family, and the children’s nanny escaped unharmed. The victim’s elderly parents, aged 69 and 70, were also injured while trying to intervene, sustaining cuts and bruises.
Aftermath of the Attack
The father sustained serious injuries, including a fractured arm, deep lacerations to his face, and damage requiring eye surgery. Despite his critical condition, police confirmed that he is expected to survive. Detectives described the level of violence used as “awful,” noting the sheer randomness of the attack.
“They’ve just chosen this house and destroyed a family,” Victoria Police’s Leeanne Trusler said. “Someone has now been seriously hurt. It’s beyond a joke.”
The attackers allegedly fled the scene in two cars, one being the victim’s own BMW.
Charges and Court Proceedings
Three of the suspects—two teenagers aged 16 and 17, and a 24-year-old man—have been charged with multiple offences including aggravated home invasion, false imprisonment, and intentionally causing serious injury.
The 24-year-old man from Caroline Springs was remanded in custody and is set to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court in November. The two teenagers, from Frankston and Caroline Springs, will face separate hearings in the children’s court at a later date.
Two additional suspects remain at large, and police are urging the public to come forward with any information, CCTV, or dashcam footage that could help identify them.
Community and Political Response
The brutality of the attack has reignited political debate over crime in Victoria. Opposition Leader Brad Battin condemned the growing number of aggravated burglaries across the state, stating:
“Aggravated burglaries are now happening so frequently that we’ve reached the stage where a father is stabbed in his own home with his children present. Every Victorian will feel this today.”
Police echoed these concerns, warning that offenders are becoming increasingly violent and reckless.
Call for Information
Investigators are continuing to track down the two men believed to still be involved. Anyone with knowledge of the incident is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online.
The attack has left a community shaken, a family devastated, and renewed fears about the escalation of violent home invasions across Melbourne.
