DETECTIVES are hunting two men who bashed a couple in their home, in front of their children, in what police suspect was a targeted attack.
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The woman, aged 27, suffered facial injuries and was taken to hospital after the violent armed home invasion in broad daylight in Armidale on Monday morning.
The masked pair were armed with a knife and a baseball bat when they stormed the home about 8.30am.
"This was an extremely serious, an extremely violent crime committed in the family home in front of young children, whereby a female required hospitalisation for her injuries," New England Detective Sergeant Matt Crotty told ACM.
"Our community doesn't stand for that sort of offending, we won't tolerate this sort of crime in our community and detectives won't stop until those offenders are before the court."
The man, aged 26, was also injured but was treated at the Edward Street scene for his injuries. Police said the young children were not injured, but were traumatised.
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"Investigations have so far led police to believe that this was not a random incident, we believe it was targeted," Detective Crotty said.
Armidale detectives are hunting the men who were last seen running towards the northern end of Edward Street shortly after 8.30am on Monday, headed towards the bike track.
Police said the victim answered a knock on the door and was confronted by two men. When he tried to close the door, the armed offenders forced their way in, brandishing a baseball bat and a knife.
"The offenders assaulted the female victim first and then the male with the baseball bat, and both suffered injuries," Detective Crotty said.
"The male managed to defend himself and the offenders fled, stealing a mobile phone from the woman."
Police were alerted and arrived on scene quickly, where paramedics rendered first aid to the woman before she was taken to Armidale hospital with facial injuries including cuts and bruising.
Police said a number of witnesses were in the area and have spoken to police, along with the occupants.
Police have seized CCTV footage in the area which depicts the offenders ... we have strong leads as to the identity of these offenders and it's only a matter of time before we arrest them.
- Detective Sergeant Matt Crotty
"Police have seized CCTV footage in the area which depicts the offenders," Detective Crotty said.
"We have strong leads as to the identity of these offenders and it's only a matter of time before we arrest them.
"My message to those men, and anyone who is assisting these violent individuals, is to hand themselves in and cooperate with investigators."
The first offender is described as Aboriginal in appearance with tanned skin, dark curly hair, about 180 to 185cm tall with a thin build. He was last seen wearing dark coloured clothing, sneakers and was armed with a baseball bat and had his face covered.
The second male, also described as being Aboriginal in appearance with tanned skin, is believed to be about 175-180cm tall with a thin build and facial stubble or unshaven. He also was last seen wearing dark coloured clothing with his face covered and armed with a knife.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Armidale detectives on 6771 0699.
Breanna Chillingworth
Northern Daily Leader Senior Crime and Court Reporter
Northern Daily Leader Senior Crime and Court Reporter
