Search for trio who used guns, axe to break into wrong house

A search is underway for three men who fired shots through the front door and window of a home in Melbourne’s west – a house police believe they had mistaken for another address.

Terrifying footage has emerged of a home invasion in Melbourne’s west showing the moment three thugs armed with an axe storm a home before firing shots inside.

The trio are believed to have mistakenly targeted the wrong property after driving a stolen Volkswagen to Term St in Strathmore around 1.20am on April 29.

The CCTV footage shows the offenders leaving the black car and approaching the house, before one fires shots through the front door and window and another repeatedly smashes an axe against the door.

Footage released by Victoria Police shows three armed men using an axe and then firing shots through the front door and window of a Strathmore home. Picture: Supplied

The men were able to enter the house and fired shots at a 54-year-old man, who was unhurt.

After the incident, the stolen car was found burned out at Donnybrook Rd in Woodstock.

A white 2018 Mazda 3 hatchback was spotted leaving the scene of the car fire and driving towards Epping.

Victoria Police armed crime squad detectives released the footage hoping someone may recognise the men and be able to provide information on their whereabouts.

Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Simon Pengelly said the residents of the Term St address “were completely innocent parties” in the violent invasion.

Armed Crime Squad detectives have released CCTV of three armed offenders they are looking to identify who forced their way into a Strathmore home and fired several shots at an occupant in April., Picture: Supplied

“We believe this was a planned and targeted attack that was recklessly executed, with the offenders attending the wrong address and firing shots at innocent persons,” he said.

“This indiscriminate use of illicit firearms is unacceptable, and we will continue to use all available methods at our disposal in an effort to reduce the impact illicit firearms have on the community, remove these weapons from the hands of criminals and place offenders before the courts.

“We understand that alliances shift over time – if you have any information on the men or the vehicle in these images, we’re particularly keen to speak to you.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information on the men or vehicles involved should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Originally published as Search for trio who used guns, axe to break into wrong house