Couple Stabbed While Their 3 Children Were in Bed During Home Invasion in Case of Suspected Mistaken Identity

A mother and father of three are recovering after being stabbed during a violent home invasion that police believe was a case of mistaken identity.

Police in New South Wales said the 41-year-old man and 37-year-old woman were at their home in Guildford West, a suburb of Sydney, around 11 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 30, when two masked men forced their way inside.

The attackers assaulted the couple and stabbed them several times with a machete, according to police. Their three children, all under the age of 10, were asleep in the home but were not harmed.

Local outlets 7 News and 9 News reported that the father was heard screaming “anybody help,” according to CCTV footage from a nearby building. Neighbors rushed outside after hearing the cries.

“The neighbor’s outside screaming,” one bystander told 9 News. “There is blood everywhere. We tried to go and help her, and the husband said, ‘I don’t know what happened.’”

Several neighbors chased the suspects — both dressed in black hooded tops and white sneakers — into the street, where they escaped in a waiting white sedan driven by a third person, police said.

The injured couple was taken to a nearby hospital. Both are in stable condition, though the 41-year-old man will undergo surgery.

Police Superintendent Simon Glasser told reporters the attackers were likely looking for different people in a targeted attack.

“We believe they were looking for someone in particular and left when they were chased out,” Glasser said, according to 9 News. “The family involved have no criminal links, so we believe they were after somebody else.”

Glasser praised the bravery of neighbors who stepped in but also urged caution.

“Obviously, we want people to be cautious when they’re acting like that,” he said, per 7 News. “If people aren’t in danger, we ask that they not approach and instead contact police.”

Police confirmed an investigation is underway.

“As inquiries continue, police are urging anyone with information — or anyone in the area at the time with dashcam or mobile phone footage — to contact Granville Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000,” officials said.