Police are appealing for public assistance to help identify a male they believe is connected to a violent Shepparton home invasion, which left one of the occupants with life threatening injuries.
Detectives from Shepparton Crime Investigation Unit (CIU) have today released a computer-generated image of a man allegedly seen in the area on the night of the incident in September last year.
The male is described as being of African appearance, approximately 178 cm's tall (5ft 10'), aged in his late teens to early 20's, medium build, clean shaven and neatly dressed.
The computer-generated image has been released after local police received a number of information reports from the public in relation to the incident, which occurred on Friday 2 September 2022.
It is alleged that five male offenders, all of African appearance, entered an address on Sidney Court in Shepparton shortly after 9.20pm. Two male residents were assaulted and airlifted to Royal Melbourne Hospital, including:
• A 33-year-old male resident who received a life-threatening stab wound to the leg and remained in a coma for five weeks. He is currently still in hospital with limited function to his left leg.
• Another 33-year-old male resident who received multiple injuries to the head and upper body.
Investigators believe the group of men involved in the incident left the address and ran into nearby Vibert Reserve.
Investigators are encouraging anyone with information to contact detectives from the Shepparton Crime Investigation Unit on 5820 5777 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.auExternal Link
Quotes attributable to Detective Senior Sergeant Paul Shortis, Shepparton CIU:
"Since this violent attack occurred in September, our team of detectives have conducted an extensive investigation.
"This investigation has progressed significantly due to a number of pieces of key information received from the public, including witnesses from the evening of the incident.
"The facial image released today has been generated as a result of this information, leading us to believe this man can assist police with our enquires.
"We also believe this man is a Shepparton local - there will be people in our community who know who he is, and we urge them to contact police.
"This attack was pre-meditated and violent, leaving one male fighting for life and the other with serious head and upper body injuries.
"My message to the offenders involved is clear - when you decide to engage in violence such as this, it doesn't simply go away, and neither will we.
"The net is rapidly closing on you and it will only be a matter of time before we come knocking on your door if you don't hand yourself in first."
