Two teenage boys have been charged after bricks were allegedly hurled at an elderly couple during a home invasion in the states north west.
About 2am on Tuesday (27 January 2026), police were patrolling the Moree area when they attempted to stop a Haval SUV – allegedly stolen from an Inverell home – driving on Gwydir Highway.
When the driver failed to stop police initiated a pursuit; however, it was terminated shortly after due to safety concerns.
About 3.30am, police were called to a home on Merindah Avenue, Moree, following reports of an alleged home invasion.
Officers attached to New England Police District arrived and were told a group of young people allegedly forced their way into the home before threatening the residents – a 72-year-old woman, a 69-year-old man, and a 40-year-old man – before leaving the scene.
A short time later, the group of young people – all wearing masks – returned with bricks and began to throw them at the residents injuring the two men. The group then left the scene in the stolen Haval SUV prior to police arrival.
Both men were treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics for facial and hand injuries before being taken to hospital in stable conditions.
Police have established a crime scene with New England detectives commencing an investigation into the incident.
Following extensive inquiries, about 3pm yesterday (Wednesday 28 January 2026), police attended a property in Tawarri Street, Moree, and arrested a 17-year-old boy.
About 3.20pm on the same day, police attended a property in Anne Street, Moree, and arrested an 18-year-old man.
They were both taken to Moree Police Station, where the 17-year-old was charged with:
- Aggravated break and enter commit serious indictable offence-use violence,
- Be carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner, and
- Resist police officer in the execution of duty.
He was refused bail to appear before a childrens court today (Thursday 29 January 2026).
The 18-year-old was charged with:
- Aggravated break and enter commit serious indictable offence-use violence,
- Commit s112(2) offence & disseminate, and
- Be carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner.
He was refused bail to appear before Bail Division Court 5 later today (Thursday 29 January 2026).
Inquiries under Operation Soteria continue.
