Detectives from the Armed Crime Squad are continuing to investigate an aggravated burglary where an elderly woman was assaulted in Reservoir last year.
It’s believed two men forced their way into the house on Gertz Avenue just after 2.30am on Saturday, 7 December.
A family, including an 80-year-old woman, a 55-year-old woman and a 21-year-old man, were all home at the time.
The men were both armed with what appeared to be batons and made a number of demands for cash and phones.
They then went through the property, searching through rooms and pulling family photographs off the walls.
One of the men also physically assaulted the 55-year-old woman during the incident.
The men were unable to locate any money and left, with the family attempting to close and lock the door behind them.
However, the pair then tried to access the house again, pushing back against the door and knocking the 80-year woman over.
She sustained head and hand injuries during the fall.
The men then pulled more photographs off the wall before leaving the premises without any money.
At some time during the incident, a shot has been discharged from a firearm by one of the men.
The bullet damaged property, however no one was physically injured as a result of the shooting.
Detectives from the Armed Crime Squad are investigating the incident and are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.
At this stage, the incident is believed to have been targeted.
At the time of the incident, both men were wearing dark clothing with coverings on their faces.
A vehicle, believed to be a dark coloured sedan, was seen driving in the street in the lead up to the incident, then driving away shortly afterwards.
Police are keen to identify that vehicle as well as anyone who might know the owners or current whereabouts of the car.
Officer in charge of the Armed Crime Squad, Detective Inspector Dean Thomas, called on anyone with information about who is responsible to come forward.
“It’s always concerning when there is an incident involving firearms, however for someone to assault an 80-year-old woman is pretty cowardly,” he said.
“I think that is particularly low and we are lucky that her injuries weren’t more serious.
“We believe there are definitely people out there who know who is responsible and we’re urging those people to come forward and tell us.
“I’d also stress that this can be done anonymously via Crime Stoppers.
“We’d also like to speak to anyone who knows who was driving that vehicle that night or anyone who has knowledge about who might own, who has been driving it, or where that car is now.
“People deserve to feel safe in their own homes and we’re keen to find out who is responsible and give this family some answers.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
