The search for five machete-wielding men who assaulted a NSW household and their pet dogs is ramping up as police release CCTV of a man they believe can assist with inquiries.
Four residents were hospitalised in the violent home invasion, and their two dogs which were slashed with machetes required veterinary treatment.
The group of invaders forced their way into the home on Forbes St, Muswellbrook, in the Upper Hunter, region at 1.15am on Saturday, March 4, police report.
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They were armed with weapons including machetes, knives, hammers and a pole.
After demanding money from the occupants, they allegedly unleashed an assault on the residents.
A 59-year-old man, a 47-year-old woman, a 20-year-old man and a 19-year-old woman were treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics.
They were all taken to John Hunter Hospital for further treatment.
“Two dogs at the home were also struck with machetes and were treated by a veterinarian,” NSW Police report.
Over a month later, a bank card reportedly stolen during the break-in was used at a service station on Arthur St, Wellington at 2.30pm on Thursday, April 6.
A 29-year-old woman was arrested in Wellington and charged with two counts of dishonestly obtaining property by deception, and receiving stolen property — a serious indictable offence.
She appeared in Dubbo Local Court a week later and was formally refused bail. She is set to appear in the same court again on Monday.
Now, new CCTV footage of a man described as being of Aboriginal appearance, aged 30-35, has been shared by local police who believe he can assist them with the Strike Force investigation.
“(He is) between 160cm-170cm tall, with a solid build and an unshaven face. He is … wearing a dark-coloured jacket and cap,” police report.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Muswellbrook police or Crime Stoppers.