Police issue warrant for alleged offender on the run after brutal attack

Police issue warrant for man alleged to have attacked three people with axe or hatchet Police have named a Victorian man who remains at large after he allegedly attacked three people with an axe or hatchet in Gippsland yesterday. Two male victims, aged 76 and 47, were yesterday airlifted to hospital with life-threatening injuries, where they remain in a critical condition. A 74-year-old woman was taken to hospital with critical injuries and is in a stable condition. Victoria Police today said they had issued a warrant to arrest Peter O'Ryan, who is 48 and known to the victims, following the incident in the town of Tyers about 12:30pm on Saturday. Emergency services were called to a property on Cowies Road after reports the three people had been assaulted. Police said the alleged offender had fled the address on foot, and that a search of the area was still underway. "[Mr] O'Ryan, who is currently of no fixed address, is known to take refuge in abandoned properties or outhouses," a police statement said. "He often frequents the area around Morwell and is not known for living in the bush." Mr O'Ryan was last seen wearing a distinctive black-and-mustard-coloured jacket, and is described as being of medium build with dark grey hair. Police have warned that Mr O'Ryan may be armed with an axe or hatchet and should not be approached. Any members of the public who see him are urged to call Triple Zero (000) immediately, with detectives also urging Mr O'Ryan to make contact with police or present himself at any police station. Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au