A special strike force has been established to investigate the incident which has outraged the community.

An 85-year-old man and his 83-year-old wife were attacked in their home at Wind-radyne after two men, described only as in their late teens to early 20s, of Aboriginal appearance and wearing dark clothing, forced their way into the home.

The two offenders, who gained entry by forcing an external door, demanded money from the victims before assaulting them and then making off with the couple’s white Proton utility.

Chifley local area command crime manager Inspector Luke Rankin said the elderly male victim suffered a nasty laceration, bruises and bumps.

Both the man and his wife were treated at Bathurst Base Hospital and later released.

Inspector Rankin described the incident as a very serious assault, given the age of both victims.

He said Strike Force Ledgo had been established, dedicated officers had been assigned to the case and a number of concrete leads were already being followed.

Inspector Rankin said the couple’s Proton utility was later found damaged in lower Mitre Street near the Bathurst Tenpin Bowl. 

Police seized the vehicle and it is undergoing forensic examination at Bathurst police station.

Since the incident, Inspector Rankin said police have received several reports of the vehicle doing circle work and being driven recklessly around West Bathurst just before it was dumped.

“We are very keen to speak to anyone with information regarding this,” he said.

Inspector Rankin said police have also not ruled out a link between the home invasion and the alleged theft of another vehicle from Cummings Street in West Bathurst early on Saturday morning, which was later crashed into a power pole at the corner of Veness and Rocket streets at 4am.

“At this stage we are unsure if they are related. That’s why we are very keen to speak to anyone with information who may have seen something,” he said.

“Police have been working on this since it happened, examining the crime scenes and canvassing the area, and we are hopeful there are still people who may have seen or heard something.”

Meanwhile, a community account has been established at Reliance Credit Union to help assist the elderly couple and, as of yesterday, $500 had been donated.

Anyone wishing to make a donation can do so electronically by using Reliance Credit Union account number 100090637 and BSB 802-884.

Alternatively, people can go into the branch in Russell Street and make a donation to the Credit Union Community-Freestone Way account.

Bathurst man Matt Irvine, who kicked off the appeal, said he’d been approached by people wanting to help out.

Mr Irvine said Rod Graham from RCG Locksmiths offered to secure the couple’s house to enable them to return home and feel safe.

Mr Irvine said the money raised through the community fund will then be used towards purchasing any additional security the couple require for their property.