An 80-year-old man, known only as Michael, was severely beaten during a home invasion on the weekend.
By Nicole Williams
HOME alone and under attack, an elderly stroke victim warded off his attackers by triggering a key ring alarm.
The 80-year-old man, who is known only as Michael, was awoken at 11.30pm on Sunday to a knock on the front door and bedroom window of his Noble Park North home.
When he answered the door, two men forced their way inside and started viciously kicking and punching Michael to the head, face and body.
The two men fled the Doonbrae Avenue property empty-handed when Michael managed to activate a key-ring alarm alerting a neighbour to his distress.
Detective Senior Constable Dean Marchant from Dandenong Crime Investigation Unit was appalled by the attack.
“This elderly gentleman had previously suffered a stoke and had difficulty moving and talking – the attack was just senseless,” he said.
“It was cowardly and gutless.”
Michael, who lives alone, has limited mobility and speech due to injuries sustained during a previous stroke, so could not fight back.
He is still in hospital recovering from severe bruising, swelling and cuts to his head, face and body.
“If he hadn’t hit the alarm, the offenders might have taken their time going through the house and I believe would have assaulted Michael further,” Det Sen Con Marchant said.
Michael’s carer, who did not wish to be named, choked back tears as she spoke of the attack.
“It was disgusted that somebody could do that to someone so helpless,” she said.
“How would they like it if this was done to their father or grandfather?”
In the quick attack, Michael did not have a chance to look at his attackers and can only describe them as Australian appearance and one may have been wearing a balaclava.
Det Sen Cons Marchant said residents, particularly the elderly, need to be vigilant with security.
“Be aware of security and be vigilant,” he said.
“Perhaps don’t answer the door at night if you’re alone.”
The incident is still under investigation and investigators are yet to determine a motive.
Anyone with information aboutthe offenders or a white Hyundai Getzwhich was seen in the area at the time is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
