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Burglars shoot man in face during robbery at Ardeer home

A gang of armed burglars shot a man in the face when he confronted them as they broke into a neighbour’s Ardeer home.

Police are investigating the shooting of a man who interupted a suspected burglary at Ardeer last month. Picture: Supplied/Victoria Police
Police are investigating the shooting of a man who interupted a suspected burglary at Ardeer last month. Picture: Supplied/Victoria Police

A man who interrupted a group of armed burglars as they tried to force their way into a home in the early hours of the morning in Ardeer last month was left with a serious eye injury when he was shot in the face.

Detectives from the Armed Crime Squad on Tuesday launched a public appeal for help with their investigation.

Police are investigating the shooting of a man who interupted a suspected burglary at Ardeer last month. Picture: Supplied/Victoria Police
Police are investigating the shooting of a man who interupted a suspected burglary at Ardeer last month. Picture: Supplied/Victoria Police

Investigators believe the group of men were trying to break into a property on Maxweld St about 1.30am on October 25, when a 59-year-old man from a nearby home confronted them.

Two shots were fired in his direction, with one hitting him in the face.

Detective Senior Sergeant Dave Newman said police were committed to tracking down the group.

The suspects in an armed robbery and shooting at Ardeer last month made off in three vehicles. Picture: Supplied/Victoria Police
The suspects in an armed robbery and shooting at Ardeer last month made off in three vehicles. Picture: Supplied/Victoria Police

“This is a particularly concerning incident – such a reckless use of firearms has left one man with potentially life changing injuries,” he said.

“We understand that incidents such as this one cause significant concern across the broader community.

“Rest assured; the indiscriminate use of illicit firearms remains a key focus for Victoria Police. We are committed to targeting those involved in this type of offending and holding them to account.”

Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Picture: Supplied/Victoria Police
Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Picture: Supplied/Victoria Police

The group fled the street in three vehicles, two dark coloured hatchbacks and one small red SUV.

Police have released security camera footage of the three cars in the hope someone recognises them and might be able to assist.

Investigators are also keen to speak with anyone who was in the area that morning and who saw something, or has dashcam footage and who is yet to speak with police.

Anyone who might be able to help is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/police-courts-victoria/burglars-shoot-man-in-face-during-robbery-at-ardeer-home/news-story/7269e26690bd4c27a1dfd0783a31acbb