Elderly man assaulted in violent, early morning home invasion

A 78-year-old Middle Ridge man faced a violent trio when they kicked in his door, pushed him to the ground and demanded car keys in a frightening home invasion.

Police are searching for three people who assaulted a 78-year-old Middle Ridge man during a frightening home invasion.

Toowoomba Detective Senior Sergeant Paul McCusker said three people and a stolen white 2020 Mahindra ute (568 AO4) were linked to a string of offences throughout the weekend.

The vehicle was stolen from a Djuan farm, near Crows Nest, while the owner was away overnight on Thursday.

It was sighted at a property on Flagstone Creek Road at Middle Ridge about 3.30pm on Friday.

“That vehicle is seen to approach a property before a person cuts the lock to the gate,” Sgt McCusker said.

The property’s occupants were home at the time, heard a noise and scared off the intruders.

About 30 minutes later the vehicle and three people were sighted at another Middle Ridge home.

“One male kicked the front door and gained entry,” Sgt McCusker said.

“They made demands for keys to a car and the 78-year-old male occupant was pushed to the ground.”

“His neighbours came to his aid.

“The gentleman was shaken but not harmed.

“No doubt it would have been a very frightful event for him.”

The offenders fled empty-handed but were sighted at another Flagstone Creek home a short time later where a woman smashed the front window before being chased off.

The Mahindra was also linked to a burglary at Silver Pinch Road home in Ipswich.

Sgt McCusker said the occupants arrived home to find their front door had been kicked in and an amount of property stolen, including a television and their passports.

Police have appealed for anyone who may have CCTV footage of a suspicious white 2020 Mahindra ute to come forward, along with anyone who may know the location of the three offenders.

Phone Policelink on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.