Tugun man Paul Malane injured after car driven at him in suburban street by balaclava-wearing offenders

Police are hunting for a duo seen driving a car bearing stolen plates after the vehicle was driven at a Gold Coast man trying to protect his family.

The car allegedly involved in the incident.

Police are investigating after a man was injured when a car was driven at him by people wearing balaclavas.

Paul Malane had to have surgery on a broken hand after the frightening incident, which unfolded on a residential street near the Tugun Seahawks club at about 12.45pm on Sunday.

Locals had called police after seeing the car – a Toyota Corolla hatchback bearing stolen NSW plates – driving erratically and at high speed in the area before the frightening incident took place.

“It’s really a bizarre incident,” Acting Chief Superintendent Peter Miles said.

“The driver and a possible female passenger wearing a balaclava have driven at a male who had to shield behind a light pole.

“ ... Thankfully he’s ok. But he has got a broken hand when he has hit the driver’s side window.”

Tugun man Paul Malane is recovering in hospital after being injured during the frightening incident. Picture: Nine Gold Coast News.

Mr Malane told Nine News that the offenders had reversed towards him in an effort to pin him their car and a car in his driveway when, concerned for the safety of his family, he had intervened to try and stop the driver’s dangerous behaviour.

“I saw him speeding around a roundabout, going around and around in circles, and then flying up towards us,” he said.

“My instinct was to try and slow him down and stop him because he’s going to kill someone.”

Chief Supt Miles said the vehicle and its occupants were not linked to any further offending after the incident and had not yet been located.

“Why they’re driving around wearing balaclavas is unclear,” he said. “There was no further offending in relation to that vehicle, or people fitting those descriptions wearing balaclavas. It’s a strange one.”

Follow @keithjwoods