POLICE BELIEVE THEY KNOW WHERE HE IS HIDING..! – Major update in desperate manhunt for man suspected of a-xe a-ttack on his own family
A man accused of carrying out an horrific axe attack on his elderly parents and brother may be hiding out in vacant properties in regional Victoria, police believe.
Peter O’Ryan is alleged to have attacked his elderly parents and brother about 12.30pm Saturday in Cowies Rd, in the small Gippsland town of Tyers, after an argument allegedly escalated to horrific levels.
The three alleged victims, two men aged 76 and 47 and a 74-year-old woman, were flown to The Alfred hospital for immediate surgery and medical care.
Peter O’Ryan allegedly attacked his parents and brother with an axe on Saturday. Picture: Vic Police
A major manhunt is now under way following the incident, but police say they have a strong idea of where 48-year-old O’Ryan may be as he continues to evade arrest.
Senior Sergeant Rod Findlay said the suspect was known to police and had a history of rough sleeping.
He said O’Ryan was particularly known to spend time in the Morwell, Traralgon and Tyers areas and may be hiding out in an abandoned property.
“Certainly, there are a lot of properties that are vacant at the moment, there are a lot of places for people who are itinerant to stay,” he said.
He added that officers would have their focus trained on searching empty properties, sheds and barns as they look to track the suspect down.
Meanwhile, a spokesman for The Alfred confirmed on Monday morning that the trio continue to fight for life following the horrific attack.
“All three patients remain in a critical, but stable condition,” the spokesman said.
An arrest warrant for O’Ryan was issued over the weekend, with police confirming on Monday morning that he continues to be at large.
Images of the 48-year-old have been released in a bid to assist the hunt, but members of the public are urged not to approach him, with police believing him to still be armed.
Senior Sergeant Findlay said on Sunday the attack followed an argument, with O’Ryan first assaulting his 47-year-old brother, then his parents.
“The injuries are very, very extreme … a lot of injuries requiring really serious treatment by the ambulance, and then they’ve been flown for immediate surgery down to The Alfred hospital,” he said.
Police believe the man may be hiding in abandoned buildings in Morwell. Picture: Vic Police
O’Ryan, who is currently of no fixed address, is known to take refuge in abandoned properties or outhouses.
He often frequents the area around Morwell and is not known for living in the bush.
Police are trying to piece together what happened while searching for O’Ryan.
“We’ve had limited opportunity to speak to the victims,” Senior Sergeant Findlay said.
“Two have really not had consciousness since the incident, and one that we’ve spoken to has only really been able to provide basic details.”
Senior Sergeant Findlay said the weapon used was believed to be a blunt axe or tomahawk, but that was yet to be confirmed.
”At this stage we definitely believe he’s still likely armed with that axe,” he said.
A manhunt is under way in the small Gippsland town of Tyers, near Traralgon in eastern Victoria, after three people were brutally attacked at a rural property.
Senior Sergeant Findlay said “a lot of police” were involved in the hunt in the Tyers and Morwell areas, with police helicopters being used.
“We are working furiously to try to bring him into custody so that we can make sure everyone’s safe and he’s held to account.”
O’Ryan was last seen wearing a black and mustard coloured jacket seen in one of the images released and carrying a black backpack.
“Police urge members of the public to call triple-0 (000) immediately if they sight O’Ryan and not to approach him,” Victoria Police said.
“It is possible he may be armed with an axe or hatchet.
“Detectives are also urging O’Ryan to make contact with police or hand himself in at any police station.
Anyone with information on O’Ryan’s whereabouts is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
