Police have warned the public not to approach a man alleged to have attacked three people with an axe in Gippsland, as a large-scale search continues more than 24 hours after the incident.
Peter O’Ryan, 48, is accused of entering a property in Cowies Road, Tyers, about 160 kilometres east of Melbourne, shortly after midday on Saturday and attacking two men and an elderly woman known to him.
The two men, aged 76 and 47, were airlifted to a Melbourne hospital with life-threatening injuries and remained in a critical condition on Sunday. The 74-year-old woman was also critically injured but was later reported to be in a stable condition.
Police believe O’Ryan fled the property on foot and may still be carrying an axe or handsaw. Investigators have not located him despite an extensive search of the surrounding area.
Police search continues in Tyers
Detectives said they were still working to establish exactly what happened, but believed the violence followed an argument.
Officers have visited neighbouring properties, many of which are on large blocks, and urged residents to keep their doors locked and report any suspicious activity.
One neighbour said the elderly couple had lived on Cowies Road for decades. He told reporters that he and his wife had left their home for the day as a precaution.
“It’s the first time we’ve locked the door in 20 years,” he said.
O’Ryan was last seen wearing a black and mustard-coloured jacket and carrying a black backpack. Police said he was of no fixed address, often stayed in abandoned buildings or outhouses, and was known to frequent the Morwell area rather than living in bushland.
Victoria Police has urged O’Ryan to surrender, but warned members of the public not to confront him if they see him. Anyone who spots him should call Triple Zero immediately.
Witnesses, or anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage that could assist the investigation, have been asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
