Search for missing women and boys after 'domestic-related' incident
A search is underway for two women and two children after a reported domestic-related incident in the NSW Central West.
Officers were called to a property at Ootha, about 450km west of Sydney, about 11am on Tuesday after reports a man had been assaulted and his home set alight.
Police were told two men armed with a shotgun, a knife and an axe entered the home about 5am and assaulted the 68-year-old male occupant, knocking him unconscious.
When the man regained consciousness, the home had been burned down and he could not find the other occupants believed to be two women aged 71 and 41 and two boys.
Police say they have “serious concerns” for their welfare.
The man has since been airlifted to Orange Base Hospital in a critical condition.
Police are also searching for a 1998 green Toyota 4WD with NSW registration CD9 8XE, in which the men arrived at the property.
“There is a vehicle of interest – a green Troop Carrier type vehicle, which we believe may be connected to this matter,” Chief Inspector David Cooper told reporters.
It is believed the men may travel to the Hunter Region or the Central Coast.
Detectives from the Robbery and Serious Crime Squad are leading the investigation to find the women and boys, along with police and a range of specialist police resources.
If anyone sees the Toyota or the male occupants, police have urged them to not approach them, but instead call triple-0 immediately.
A crime scene has been established at the Ootha property, which is awaiting the area to be declared safe by Fire & Rescue NSW and Rural Fire Service before further inquiries can be conducted.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the online reporting page.
