Police are appealing for assistance as investigations commence into two aggravated break and enters in the state's west overnight.
About 3am today (Tuesday 19 August 2025), emergency services were called to a motel on Warialda Street, Moree, following reports of two break-ins.
Officers attached to New England Police District were told two people – one armed with a metal object – forced entry into one room which was occupied by a 68-year-old man and a 71-year-old woman.
The 68-year-old man was allegedly threatened before being assaulted with the metal object and sustained significant head injuries – the woman was uninjured.
He was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to hospital for further treatment.
The pair left and forced entry into a second room occupied by a 31-year-old man – where they allegedly threatened and demanded his keys before leaving the scene in his Toyota SUV.
The man was uninjured.
A crime scene was established and investigations commenced under Operation Soteria.
About 4.40am, police were patrolling and sighted the SUV driving dangerously and attempted to stop it on Balo Street, Moree.
When the vehicle failed to stop, a pursuit was initiated; however, police lost sight of the SUV and terminated the pursuit.
Following inquiries, about 5.10am, the SUV was located abandoned on Auburn Street, Moree and seized for forensic examination.
As inquiries continue, anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Moree Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au Information is managed on a confidential basis. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
