A Shepparton man was left in a critical condition after an alleged stabbing last week, which police believe was carried out by five people at a Shepparton home.
Police investigators have been told a group of five men turned up to a Sidney Crt property about 9.20pm on Friday, September 2, where two 33-year-old Shepparton men were at home.
The exact circumstances are still unknown; however, both residents were seriously assaulted, with one man still in hospital in a critical condition after receiving a life-threatening stab wound to the leg, police said.
The second man received “serious facial injuries” and has since been released from hospital.
Police were alerted by neighbours who heard the altercation and it’s believed the group of men involved ran into nearby Vibert Reserve.
Shepparton Criminal Investigation Unit Detective Senior Sergeant Paul Shortis appealed to the public for information about the “significantly violent incident”.
“It’s our belief it is likely to be some kind of targeted incident; however, the reasons for that are still unclear,” he said.
“We believe people out in the community do in fact know reasons why this may have occurred and we need that information.
“We urge those people to come forward.”
He said police were keen to speak to anyone who witnessed the group in Sidney Crt on the night or noticed any suspicious activity in the preceding days.
“Police are also trying to piece together the movements of the group after they ran into Vibert Reserve after the assault took place,” he said.
“There was a significant amount of blood at the scene so we believe it’s likely that those involved were wearing blood-stained clothing.”
According to police, the group were all perceived to be of African appearance and wearing dark clothing.
Detectives have been told members of the group may have been seen in Sidney Crt in the days leading up to the incident.
Investigators are appealing for anyone who may have CCTV or dash-cam footage from the area between Wednesday, August 31 and Saturday, September 3 to contact police.
The incident is being investigated by detectives from the Shepparton Crime Investigation Unit with assistance from the Homicide Squad.
Police urge anyone with CCTV or dash-cam or other information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or file a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au