Elderly couple brutally stabbed in their own home by stranger before man fights back and shoots intruder

An elderly man and his wife are fighting for life after being allegedly stabbed during a violent home invasion at their rural NSW property, before the man shot the intruder when he allegedly tried to force his way back inside. 

Emergency services were called to the property in Torrington, about 65km south-west of Tenterfield, just after 12.15am on Thursday morning following a break-in.

Police have been told a 75-year-old man and his 72-year-old wife were at home when a 34-year-old man allegedly entered the house and attacked them with a knife. 

The woman suffered a chest wound and collapsed, while her husband was slashed across the abdomen. The intruder then left the home and moved onto the verandah.

The injured homeowner called 000 for urgent help as police from Tenterfield and Glen Innes, along with NSW Ambulance paramedics, were dispatched.

However, before officers arrived, the man allegedly attempted to re-enter the house and was shot by the resident.

The elderly couple were treated at the scene for serious injuries before being airlifted to Gold Coast University Hospital in a critical condition.

The alleged intruder was also treated at the scene for a gunshot wound before being taken by road to Armidale Hospital under police guard. 

He is reported to be in a serious but stable condition.

A crime scene has been established by officers attached to New England Police District and an investigation into the incident has commenced,’ a NSW Police spokesperson said on Thursday morning.

‘Inquiries so far indicate the younger man is not known to the couple.’

More to come.