A massive manhunt is under way for a man after his elderly parents and brother were brutally attacked with an axe at their rural home that has left them with “very, very extreme” injuries.
Victoria Police have issued a warrant for the arrest of Peter O’Ryan, after the horror attack at a home on Cowies Rd in the small Gippsland town of Tyers about 12.30pm on Saturday.
Police have released images of the 48-year-old to help in the hunt to find him.
After the attack, he fled the scene but the victims were able to call for help.
Detective Senior Sergeant Rod Findlay said on Sunday the attack followed an argument, with Mr O’Ryan first assaulting his 47-year-old brother, then his parents.
“The injuries are very, very extreme … a lot of injuries requiring really serious treatment by the ambulance, and then they’ve been flown for immediate surgery down to The Alfred hospital,” he said.
Mr O’Ryan, who is currently of no fixed address, is known to take refuge in abandoned properties or outhouses.
He often frequents the area around Morwell and is not known for living in the bush.
His 76-year-old father and brother were flown to hospital in Melbourne with life-threatening injuries where they remain in a critical condition.
His 74-year-old mother was taken to hospital with critical injuries and remains in a stable condition.
Police are trying to piece together what happened while searching for Mr O’Ryan.
“We’ve had limited opportunity to speak to the victims,” Senior Sergeant Findlay said.
“Two have really not had consciousness since the incident, and one that we’ve spoken to has only really been able to provide basic details.”
Senior Sergeant Findlay said the weapon used was believed to be a blunt axe or tomahawk, but that was yet to be confirmed.
”At this stage we definitely believe he’s still likely armed with that axe,” he said.
Senior Sergeant Findlay said “a lot of police” were involved in the hunt in the Tyers and Morwell areas, with police helicopters being used.
“We are working furiously to try to bring him into custody so that we can make sure everyone’s safe and he’s held to account.”
Mr O’Ryan was last seen wearing a black and mustard coloured jacket seen in one of the images released and carrying a black backpack.
“Police urge members of the public to call Triple Zero (000) immediately if they sight O’Ryan and not to approach him,” Victoria Police said.
“It is possible he may be armed with an axe or hatchet.
“Detectives are also urging O’Ryan to make contact with police or hand himself in at any police station.
Anyone with information on Mr O’Ryan’s whereabouts is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
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