A 19-year-old man is recovering from serious wounds following a terrifying home invasion in the Cairns suburb of Kanimbla. The incident, which unfolded in the early hours of the morning, saw intruders force their way into a residence and demand car keys before violently assaulting the young occupant.
Violent Intruders Demand Keys
The ordeal began around 1:30 AM on Wednesday, 15 May 2024, at a home on Kanimbla's Rangeview Close. According to Queensland Police, two unknown men forced entry into the property. Once inside, the pair confronted the 19-year-old resident and demanded the keys to his car.
When the young man did not comply with their demands, the situation turned violent. The intruders assaulted him, inflicting serious wounds. Police and emergency services were called to the scene after the attackers fled the area.
Police Launch Manhunt for Assailants
Paramedics from the Queensland Ambulance Service treated the victim at the scene for his injuries before transporting him to Cairns Hospital. His condition was reported as serious but stable.
Detectives from the Cairns Criminal Investigation Branch have taken charge of the case. They are appealing to the public for any information that could lead to the identification and capture of the two men responsible. The assailants were last seen fleeing on foot and remain at large.
Investigators are particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity in the Rangeview Close area around the time of the incident, or who might have relevant dashcam or CCTV footage.
A Community on Alert
This violent home invasion has sent shockwaves through the typically quiet Kanimbla community. The brazen nature of the attack, where intruders targeted a resident for his vehicle, has raised concerns about local safety.
Police have reiterated standard safety advice for residents, which includes:
- Ensuring all doors and windows are securely locked, even when at home.
- Being cautious about opening doors to strangers at any time of day or night.
- Reporting any suspicious persons or vehicles in the neighbourhood immediately to Policelink on 131 444.
Anyone with specific information regarding this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers anonymously. The investigation is ongoing as police work to track down the perpetrators of this serious crime.
