A man has allegedly been stabbed during a home invasion in Perth in what police believe to be a Facebook Marketplace meet-up gone wrong.
A manhunt is underway after police were called to a home in Thornlie, 15km from Perth’s CBD, about 10.55am on Saturday, where a man in his 50s and a woman in her 40s were allegedly assaulted.
Police said three people – two men and a woman – armed with a pick axe and a bladed weapon allegedly entered the home.
“A woman had attended the residence, and after a short conversation at the front door she forced her way inside the residence armed with a bladed weapon,” police said in a statement.
The man was stabbed in the neck and during the struggle with the female offender, was thrown from his wheelchair, according to police.
A male offender then allegedly entered the home armed with a pick axe, while a second male was also present.
The female resident in her 40s, was also injured in the attack, suffering a fractured arm.
The woman had run over to her neighbour Peta Jones for help, who rang triple-0.
“She was in shock,” Ms Jones told the ABC.
“She just woke up and had her pyjamas on … covered in blood.
“I went over there to check on the man because she said he was bleeding, and (the man) was in a bad way.”
Both residents were taken to hospital.
During the incident, a box containing a drone was stolen from the property, the ABC reports.
“We believe the sale of an item through some form of social media like Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree may have been a reason used by the female to gain entry; however, this is still being confirmed,” said Police Detective Inspector Brett Ranfor.
Inspector Ranford said the incident was of “extreme concern” to police.
“[We] consider all home burglaries to be serious, but when we see such an escalation of violence happen to two vulnerable victims, that is of extreme concern to us,” he said.
“Everyone should feel safe in their home. Armadale detectives have now taken the lead and we are now throwing all our resources at trying to identify the female and male offenders.”
The female offender is described as being olive-skinned, about 20 years old, of medium height and build, with shoulder-length black hair.
Police said she was wearing blue jeans, a brown and white striped long-sleeved shirt and a black cap with a motif or writing on the front.
The men are described as being olive-skinned and of medium build and height.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.