The family of a couple who were stabbed during a suspected invasion of their home on a rural property say they are deeply traumatised by the incident.
Keith Blessing, 75, and his wife 72-year-old Diane Blessing are recovering in a hospital on the Gold Coast after a man broke into their home in Torrington in northern NSW and allegedly stabbed them with a knife on Friday.
The alleged intruder was then shot when he attempted to re-enter the home.
Kathy Blessing (right) speaks to the media alongside her sister Amanda Batchelor after their parents were stabbed during a suspected home invasion. (ABC News)
The couple were transferred to Gold Coast University Hospital for treatment.
Speaking outside the hospital on Friday, their daughter Kathy Blessing said it has been a traumatic ordeal.
“We would like to thank everyone who has supported our family, it has been comforting to know we have the support of the wider community,” she said.
“This has been deeply traumatising to our family and no family should ever have to go through this.
“We’re very proud of our parents and their bravery.”
Speaking alongside her sister Amanda Batchelor, Ms Blessing said their parents had a long recovery ahead of them.
“They are recovering in the hospital here and getting excellent care,” she said.
“We have a long road ahead.”
Police said Mr Blessing remains in a critical but stable condition while Ms Blessing’s condition has significantly improved.
Joshua Dylan Trethewey, 34, has been charged with two counts of wounding with intent to murder.
Police say the resident of the nearby town of Deep Water is currently in an induced coma awaiting surgery.
Motive unclear for ‘unthinkable’ tragedy
Residents of Torrington in the NSW Northern Tablelands hold a meeting to discuss safety after an elderly couple were stabbed inside their home. (ABC New England: Brigitte Murphy )
Meanwhile concerned members from the small village in the NSW Northern Tablelands gathered in the town hall to hear the update on police proceedings.
Inspector James Parsons from the New England Police District told the residents investigators were still to establish a motive for the “rare and unthinkable” tragedy.
“The only thing I can say to give you reassurance is that this is an extremely rare case,” Inspector Parsons said.
“It is a fresh investigation. Motive is one of the big issues that that investigation will look at.
“At this stage we are unaware why this attack has played out.”
NSW Police Inspector James Parsons speaks to concerned residents at a community meeting at the Torrington town hall. (ABC New England: Brigitte Murphy )
Sonia Law has lived in Torrington her whole life and said she has never seen anything like this.
“[I’m] very stressed,” said the 53-year-old.
“Especially when you don’t expect something to happen here, it’s scary, very scary.”
Torrington resident Sonia Law said mobile reception in the town is an issue. (ABC New England: Brigitte Murphy)
Community members shared their worries about how to stay safe, including concerns about their ability to call Triple Zero (000) in an emergency.
Many worried about mobile reception at their homes which may prevent them from calling for help in an emergency.
Ms Law said she only received word of the stabbing when she stood on a boulder on her property to get signal.
“If it had of been us, we wouldn’t have been able to call for help so I don’t know what would have happened then,” Ms Law said.
Policed informed the residents to lock their homes and gates.