Two men have been charged following a violent machete attack in Lara, a suburb of Geelong, as police continue their search for three other individuals believed to be involved in the incident. The attack, which occurred on Tuesday evening, has sent shockwaves through the local community.
Details of the Attack
According to police reports, the victims, a man and a woman in their 20s, were assaulted by a group of five men armed with machetes at a residential property on Forest Road North. The victims sustained serious injuries, including deep lacerations, and were transported to the University Hospital Geelong for treatment. They remain in stable condition.
Emergency services were called to the scene around 8:30 PM following reports of a disturbance. Upon arrival, officers discovered the victims with multiple wounds. The suspects fled the scene before police arrived.
Arrests and Charges
Following a swift investigation, detectives from the Geelong Police Service Area arrested two men, aged 21 and 23, at a nearby address on Wednesday morning. Both have been charged with intentionally causing serious injury, affray, and possessing an offensive weapon. They appeared before the Geelong Magistrates' Court on Thursday, where they were remanded in custody to reappear at a later date.
Police have not ruled out further charges as the investigation progresses. The two accused are believed to be known to the victims, but the motive for the attack remains unclear.
Search for Additional Suspects
Authorities are actively searching for three other men who are believed to have been involved in the attack. Descriptions of the suspects have been released: all are described as being in their early 20s, of Caucasian appearance, and wearing dark clothing at the time of the incident.
Detective Senior Constable Mark Wilson urged anyone with information to come forward. "This was a brutal and unprovoked attack that has left two people with serious injuries. We are appealing to the public for any information that could help us locate the remaining suspects," he said.
Community Reaction
The attack has left residents of the quiet Lara neighborhood shaken. Local resident Sarah Thompson, who lives nearby, expressed her concern. "It's terrifying to think something like this could happen in our area. We hope the police catch everyone involved quickly," she said.
Police have increased patrols in the area to reassure the community and deter any further incidents. They are also conducting forensic examinations at the crime scene and reviewing CCTV footage from nearby properties.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a report online at crimestoppers.com.au. Information can be provided anonymously.
