A 76-year-old Fingal man has been left with broken teeth and head injuries after fighting off three women, who broke into his home while he was asleep and threatened to shoot him.
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The women, aged between 30 and 50 and wearing black face masks, broke into the Talbot Street home about 12.30am Tuesday.
Acting Inspector John Parker said the man woke up after hearing noises and was getting out of bed to investigate, when the women entered his bedroom.
After demanding money from him, one of the women punched and kicked the man using a wooden club, before attempting to tie him up and threatening to shoot him.
While the man did not see a gun, Acting Inspector Parker said the ordeal would have been terrifying.
"It would be very traumatic for him, being 76 years of age," he said.
"Being frail, in his own home and having this type of attack upon him, is very terrifying and would be very terrifying for anyone."
After about 10 minutes, the women left the home, making off with a small amount of property.
The man was able to call for assistance, and was taken by ambulance to St Marys Community Health Centre.
He was treated for a serious laceration to his head, smashed teeth and bruising, and remained in a stable condition as of Tuesday afternoon.
Acting Inspector Parker said the man had been able to fight the women off.
"He punched and kicked them, and it's quite possible that they may have some bruising and injuries to their bodies," he said.
"He did defend himself as much as he could.
"Obviously it was to the point that he was successful, in that they weren't able to tie him up, and that they left the premises."
Police described the main aggressor, who was the first to enter the man's bedroom, as "very plump" and about 50 years old.
Acting Inspector Parker said the woman was "quite tall" and towered over the small man.
The second woman is believed to be aged between 30 and 40, with a slightly smaller build, and the third woman slightly younger again.
Acting Inspector Parker said police were unable to confirm if the women were known to the man.
"Because their faces were covered, he hasn't been able to identify them at this point in time," he said.
"So we are keeping all avenues open at the moment, as to whether those three persons knew him or not."
Acting Inspector Parker said incidents like this were not common in Tasmania.
"This is an unusual type of crime, to have three females commit a crime in this manner," he said.
"Any person who is lying in bed and someone comes in and starts to beat them up, would be a terrific ordeal.
"Here is a gentleman who is 76 years of age, lived a long life, he would not be expecting this in this time of his life."
Police are appealing for anyone with information to come forward, including the occupants of an older model car, seen travelling from Fingal and Conara, between 12.30am and 2am Tuesday.
Information can be provided to Tasmania Police on 13 14 44, or anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.