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The public has been urged to not approach a man on the run for more than 24 hours after he allegedly attacked three people with an axe or hatchet in Gippsland.
Peter O’Ryan, 48, is alleged to have entered a home on Cowies Road, Tyers, 160 kilometres east of Melbourne, about 12.30pm on Saturday and attacked the elderly couple and an adult male who were all known to him.
The two men, aged 76 and 47, were airlifted to hospital with life-threatening injuries, where they remained in a critical condition on Sunday.
The 74-year-old woman sustained critical injuries and is now in a stable condition in hospital.
Police said they had conducted a large-scale search of the area but had been unable to find O’Ryan, who might still be armed.
“Detectives are still working to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the incident, however, it is believed to have unfolded following an argument,” a police spokesperson said.
“Investigators are following up several enquiries and continue, along with local police in the surrounding area, to search for the 48-year-old.”
Officers have knocked on the doors of some neighbouring homes, most of which are set apart on large blocks, warning occupants to keep their doors locked and report any suspicious behaviour.
One neighbour, who asked that his name be withheld for privacy reasons, said the elderly couple had lived on Cowies Road for decades.
The neighbour said he and his wife had left their home for the day to stay safe.
“It’s the first time we’ve locked the door in 20 years,” the man said.
O’Ryan was last seen wearing a black and mustard-coloured jacket and carrying a black backpack. Police have released an image of him wearing the same jumper.
Police say 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,” the spokesperson said.
While urging O’Ryan to hand himself in, police warned members of the public to call Triple Zero and not approach O’Ryan if they saw him.
Anyone who witnessed the incident, has CCTV or dashcam footage or has information that may assist the police investigation can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
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