AN URGENT manhunt is underway for a man who allegedly attacked his brother and parents with an axe.
The frenzied attack in Victoria, Australia, left the family with “very, very extreme injuries”, police said.
Cops have issued an urgent arrest warrant for Peter O’Ryan, 48, who remains at large following the horror incident.
Emergency services were called to a property on Cowies Road about 12.30pm on Saturday.
Detective Senior Sergeant Rod Findlay said O’Ryan is believed to have assaulted his brother, aged 47, during an argument at the family home.
He then allegedly turned on his parents, aged 76 and 74, inflicting horrific injuries.
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Police said O’Ryan had fled the address on foot, and that a frantic search of the area was underway.
“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.
Two male victims were airlifted to hospital with life-threatening injuries, while a woman suffered critical injuries, police said.
In an update, the hospital said the victims are all in critical but stable conditions.
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Senior Sergeant Findlay said two of the family members had not gained consciousness and all three remained in intensive care.
“I’ve been working in family violence a long time. This is some of the most serious offending I’ve ever seen, without a doubt,” he said.
It is believed the attacker used a blunt axe or tomahawk as a weapon, although this has not been confirmed.
Cops have warned the public that O’Ryan is “likely” still armed with the same weapon.
The victims’ condition has left police struggling to piece together what happened.
“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 in-between being treated, and obviously the painkillers and things that have been given are really presenting challenges for us.”
O’Ryan was known to police with officers understanding he regularly spent time in the area.
Police are scouring rural properties, including sheds and barns, the Sergeant said.
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“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 added.
Police have warned the public not to approach O’Ryan. Anyone who sees him is urged to call Triple Zero (000) immediately.