Man assaulted and shots fired in Templestowe Lower home invasion

Detectives are hunting for a group of offenders who assaulted a man and fired several shots during a “targeted” home invasion in Melbourne’s northeast.

Police are hunting for a group of offenders who assaulted a man and fired several shots inside a home where children were sleeping in Melbourne’s northeast.

Several men forced their way into a Linton Ave home in Templestowe Lower and assaulted a man about 12.45am on Thursday.

Several shots were fired inside the home, thankfully no one was struck.

The group then fled the scene.

The male victim was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening head injuries.

A woman and two children inside the home at the time of the incident were not harmed.

No arrests have been made at this stage, but detectives believe the home invasion was targeted.

Police continue to investigate the double storey unit at Linton Ave, Templestowe Lower. Picture: Athos Sirianos

It is understood the residents at the property had only moved in “a few months ago”, according to one neighbour who said they “did not hear” the alleged home invasion.

“I actually didn’t know that people had been living there,” another neighbour said of the unit that had only been “recently built”.

“You might get a break in every few years, but it’s very rare.”

Another resident on the street said: “I heard some commotion at about 1am but that’s about it and then I had the police park in my driveway with the lights and engines going for about five hours.”

Painters had arrived at the duplex which includes two units to paint the inside of both homes, only to be turned away by the police tape.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, has dashcam/CCTV footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.