Manhunt after elderly man doused with petrol and assaulted before house set on fire

Three armed people shoved an elderly man into the boot of his own car before dousing him in petrol during a horror home invasion.

A manhunt is under way after an elderly man was doused with petrol and injured and his house set on fire during a violent home invasion in Victoria’s northeast.

Police say three unknown and armed people knocked on the door of a property on Melba Highway in Yea about 1.15am on Monday.

Police understand two people were armed with guns and one had a machete and demanded the 68-year-old occupant let them inside the house.

They demanded cash and firearms before assaulting the man who lived in the house after he refused to comply, according to police.

Police are investigating a home invasion and arson attack in Victoria’s northeast. Picture: Google Maps

“Detectives were told they dragged him out of the house and into the boot of his own vehicle before heading down the driveway,” a Victoria Police spokesman said.

Police say the man managed to get out of the car and was threatened by one of the offenders, while the other set the house on fire.

“The offenders poured petrol onto the victim, then fled the scene in a vehicle,” police said.

Police say three firearms were stolen during the incident.

The 68-year-old man sustained non-life-threatening injuries during the attack and drove to a neighbouring property to call emergency services.

“Police believe the incident was targeted and do not believe the offenders are known to the victim,” a statement read.

The investigation into the incident remains ongoing, with no arrests made by police.

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.