Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District have confirmed that a man who died after a violent home invasion in Whitebridge was known to police.
The commander of the police district, Superintendent Daniel Sullivan, spoke at a press conference on Monday morning outside Belmont Police Station.
He said police did not yet know whether the attack, which occurred at 2.38 am on Lonus Avenue on Monday, was targetted.
“The victim is known to police and that’s a line of inquiry we are pursuing,” Mr Sullivan said.
The 60-year-old victim answered the door, he said.
The man’s two brothers were at the house during the incident but were not injured.
“There is evidence that he answered the door, which would suggest he was awake at the time,” Mr Sullivan said.
“We were told assailants entered the home and then went into the deceased man’s bedroom.”
He did not have any further information about the appearance or gender of the three assailants, who reportedly entered the home with their faces covered, carrying baseball bats and knives.
Mr Sullivan confirmed officers were investigating a stolen vehicle in relation to the incident.
He urged anyone who was in the area at 2.30am on Monday and saw anything suspicious to contact Crime Stoppers.
“In the modern age people have CCTV in their homes or dash cams in their cars,” he said.
“A serious crime like this is literally like a puzzle. Some people have a small part of the puzzle and feel it is too trivial to give to the police. The best way for people to help us at the moment is to contact Crime Stoppers.”
Police cordoned off the top of Kenibea Avenue at Kahibah Road, just a few streets away from the crime scene earlier on Monday morning, where there is shattered glass and a car bumper lying in the middle of the road.
Sergeant Matt Lee from Belmont police said the car debris was found by officers shortly after the incident on Lonus Avenue.
“We are just examining to see if there is any evidence related to the home invasion,” he said.
Forensic police were at the house where the attack occurred on Lonus Avenue, near Kopa Street, at 8 am on Monday morning.
Residents a few houses up from the crime scene said they did not hear “any commotion” before sirens rang out overnight.
Emergency services were called to the home on Lonus Avenue at about 2.30am Monday and found a 60-year-old man with a serious injury to his arm.
The man was treated at the scene by paramedics, but died at John Hunter Hospital a short time later.
Strike Force Lacrozia has been established to investigate the incident.
Detectives from Lake Macquarie Police District are being assisted by the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.
While you’re with us, did you know The Herald is now offering breaking news alerts, daily email newsletters and more? Keep up-to-date with all the local news - sign up here.
