Police said the man, whose identity has not been made public, fled on foot and could be armed with an axe and a handsaw

Police vehicle (stock image)Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto
Police vehicle (stock image)
Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto

NEED TO KNOW

  • A manhunt is underway in Australia after a man attacked three people with an axe
  • Police said the suspect is known to the victims and fled the scene on foot
  • The three victims, who include an elderly couple, sustained severe injuries in the attack and were taken to the hospital

A manhunt is underway in Australia after a man attacked three people, including an elderly couple, with an axe.

Victoria Police said the man — whose name has not been made public — is on the run after assaulting an elderly man and woman, along with another man, at an address in Tyers, a small town located about 100 miles east of Melbourne, on Saturday, Sept. 5.

Officials said the man, who is in his 50s, is “known to the victims” and attacked them “while armed with what’s believed to be an axe.”

A police car in Melbourne, Australia.Credit: Getty
A police car in Melbourne, Australia.
Credit: Getty

The three victims sustained significant injuries, police said, but were able to call emergency services for help. The suspect then fled the scene on foot.

The two male victims were airlifted to a hospital in Melbourne with life-threatening injuries, and the elderly woman also sustained critical injuries and was taken to hospital, according to police.

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“A large-scale search is currently underway in the area to locate the offender,” police said. “The man, aged in his 50s, was last seen wearing a black and mustard colored jacket and carrying a black backpack. He may be armed with an axe and handsaw.”

Police said that anyone who sees the suspect should not approach him and should instead call 000.

Anyone who witnessed the attack, has CCTV or dashcam footage, or any other information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers or submit an online confidential report at crimestoppersvic.com.au.

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