Rodney Clarke, Travis Clarke accused of Yarrawonga campsite attack

The two men accused of a violent Yarrawonga attack have been identified, while their alleged victim remains incapacitated.

A Toyota HiLux stuck in the mud at the Yarrawonga campsite where two men were left with injuries. Picture: Brayden May

Two men charged over a violent incident at Forges Bend in Yarrawonga on Thursday have been identified.

Yarrawonga locals Rodney Clarke, 53, and Travis Clarke, 29, are facing charges of home invasion, aggravated burglary, intentionally causing serious injury, recklessly causing serious injury, intentionally causing injury, recklessly causing injury, assault with weapon, assault in company and bail offences.

Travis has been remanded in custody while Rodney has been released on bail before the pair appear at Wangaratta Magistrates Court on July 1.

The charges followed an altercation at the camping grounds on March 25 which saw a 63-year-old male – believed to be the occupant of the caravan of where the alleged incident took place – flown to a Melbourne hospital with substantial head and leg injuries.

Police have still been unable to speak to the victim, who has since undergone several surgeries after suffering lacerations to his arms and legs alleged to have been caused by an axe.

Police at the Yarrawonga campground crime scene. Picture: Brayden May

A man in his 20s – believed to be Travis – was also taken to hospital after suffering injuries to his upper body.

He remains in hospital under police guard.

Despite the incident taking place just a week out from the Easter long weekend, Cobram CIU detective Sergeant Marcus Boyd reassured Victorians the area was safe ahead.

“I believe this is a one-off event between three parties,” Sgt Boyd said. “The community has nothing to fear.

Sgt Boyd said several crime scenes had been established on Friday morning.

“Police were confronted with a gruesome and dynamic scene when they arrived,” he said.

“We believe some edged weapons may have been involved and we are searching for that evidence.

“There have been substantial injuries so there is a suggestion there will be evidence to collect and assist us with our inquiries.”

One witness, who did not want their name used, said all they heard were screams and lots of swearing about 8pm.

They said they couldn’t see what was happening because the light had faded significantly and were shocked to see such an incident happen in a normally quiet place.

The Yarrawonga campground where violence erupted. Picture: Brayden May

Forges Bend Track is usually a peaceful spot for holiday-makers.

UTE BOGGED AT CRIME SCENE

Police also discovered a white Toyota HiLux at the scene which they allege may have been used by some of the parties involved.

It had become bogged down on Thursday night, with large amounts of water still in the area following the heavy rain experienced across northern Victoria last week.

“At this stage no decision had been made on charges or court appearances,” Sgt Boyd said.

“A couple of witnesses are in hospital and we haven’t been able to speak to them on a formal basis, but that will happen in due course.”

Throughout the afternoon, investigators forensically investigated the scene, including the caravan where the alleged incident took place.

Many Yarrawonga locals said they were shocked to hear about the violence that broke out in their quiet community.

Forges Bend is often used by tourists as a camping spot with peaceful surrounds.

Some people admitted they had only heard about the incident through word of mouth on Friday morning.

“I’ve never heard about there being too many problems down there,” one local, who wished to remain anonymous, said.

“It’s always popular during the holiday period but there is always people who are camping.

“It’s shocking to think something like this happened.”

Originally published as Rodney Clarke, Travis Clarke accused of Yarrawonga campsite attack