NSW police charge two over South Tamworth home invasion

Two people have been charged over their alleged involvement in a home invasion in the state’s west earlier this year.

About 10.15pm on Wednesday 2 March 2022, three masked men – who were armed with firearms – forced entry to a home on Thompson Crescent, South Tamworth.

Police have been told one of the men threatened a 27-year-old male occupant with a firearm – discharging a shot – then assaulted him with a machete, lacerating his fingers.

The three men demanded personal items and cash before fleeing the home on foot towards Central Avenue.

The 27-year-old man was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics, then taken to Tamworth Hospital for further treatment. He has since been released.

A 26-year-old woman and two children, who were home at the time, were shaken but otherwise uninjured.

Initial inquiries were undertaken by Oxley Police District, before the matter was referred to detectives from the State Crime Command’s Robbery and Serious Crime Squad under Strike Force Tabain.

Following extensive inquiries, strike force detectives executed a search warrant at a property in West Tamworth from 2pm yesterday (Thursday 30 June 2022).

During a subsequent search, police located three stolen firearms that were allegedly used in the home invasion at South Tamworth earlier this year.

The firearms were seized to undergo further forensic and ballistic examination.

Later that day, police stopped a vehicle on Gap Road at Werris Creek about 10.30pm.

The male and female passengers – both aged 19 – were arrested and taken to Tamworth Police Station.

The man has been charged with robbery while armed with dangerous weapon, possess loaded firearm endanger life non-public place, possess ammunition without holding licence, three counts of possess unauthorised firearm, and three counts of use, supply stolen firearm or firearm part.

The woman has been charged with two counts of possess unauthorised firearm,

possess ammunition without holding licence, three counts of use, supply stolen firearm or firearm part, and hinder apprehension person who committed serious offence.

Both were refused bail to appear at Tamworth Local Court today (1 July 2022).

Investigations under Strike Force Tabain continue.

Anyone with information that may assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

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