An elderly man was possibly hit with a firearm and kicked during a home invasion at South Launceston on Saturday night.
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He was watching TV when two men forced entry via the back door, came into the lounge room and attacked him.
Police said the men then searched the house, stole property and left through the back door.
The man, who lives alone, remains in the Launceston General Hospital with "significant injuries" including lacerations to his skull and injuries to his left hand and ribs.
Tasmania Police Detective Inspector Gary Williams said he appeared to have been hit on the head with a long barrel shot gun.
"The house was locked at the time, it was forced entry. The elderly male was struck early on in [the robbery] and, as such, we don't think he had time to defend himself," he said.
Detective Inspector Williams said it was a "cowardly attack on a defenseless 75-year-old person" and Tasmania Police was asking for help to find the men involved.
Anyone with CCTV footage near Heather Street is asked to come forward or contact Tasmania Police.
The man, who is also recovering from cancer, was able to get to a neighbour's house to get assistance.
Detective Inspector Williams said any firearms crime in any part of the state was concerning.
"Tasmania Police obviously seek to find these people who think carrying a firearm is a reasonable thing to do in our society and we will do everything we can to bring them to justice," he said.
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The firearm allegedly used in the attack is yet to be located.
"There are people out there who know who these people are and they have every opportunity to ring Tasmania Police or Crime Stoppers anonymously," Detective Inspector Williams said.
The elderly man has been interviewed by police and was able to provide some "good information".
"He's in good spirits, and has a good recollection of what occurred," Detective Inspector Williams said.
"Anyone being assaulted of this nature, at this time of their life, could have significant ramifications."
The man had locked his doors.
"Tasmania is a very safe place to live. Unfortunately there are ... people within the community who feel the right to commit these sort of offences," he said.
Police believe the incident happened "fairly quickly".
The man is in a stable condition at the LGH. He is expected to remain under observation in hospital for a few days.
Tasmania Police has described the men as being about 20 years old. One is about six feet, of slim build and wearing a face covering.
The only available description of the second man was that he is shorter than the first.
Information can be provided anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au
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