Members of a small community on the New South Wales Northern Tablelands will meet today to discuss security after two residents suffered serious injuries during an alleged home invasion at a rural property.
Keith Blessing, 75, and 72-year-old Diane Blessing were home early yesterday morning when a man allegedly entered their house and stabbed them both with a knife.
Diane and Keith Blessing were home when a man allegedly entered their house and stabbed them both with a knife. (Supplied)
Police say the alleged intruder was shot by Mr Blessing when he tried to get back into the house.
The Blessings remain in Gold Coast Hospital after suffering critical injuries.
Torrington is a small former tin mining town south-west of Tenterfield in northern NSW, with a population of 77 at the 2021 census.
The tight-knit community had seen some recent growth, with a number of new residents moving to the area for more affordable housing and a quiet lifestyle.
Torrington Hall Committee president and friend of Diane Blessing, Julie Johnson, said the incident had left everyone shocked.
“Torrington is such a small community and things like this don’t happen to us,” she said.
“It’s always been the sort of place where you could leave your house unlocked and go and visit a neighbour or zip into town, or whatever, and not lock your door.
“But at the moment everyone is double and triple locking things.”
Authorities to attend safety meeting
The Torrington Hall Committee has organised a meeting today to discuss safety, with representatives from local and state government expected to attend.
Julie Johnson is friends with Diane Blessing and has helped organise a community safety meeting. (Supplied)
“Part of the meeting is to encourage people to have extra security measures installed, whether that be motion sensor lights, cameras etcetera,” Ms Johnson said.
“And knowing who your neighbours are, someone you can call if you’re in strife.
“People have to make sure that their homes are well secured.“
Joshua Dylan Trethewey, 34, has been charged with two counts of wounding with intent to murder.
He was due to face court yesterday but a bedside hearing was refused as he was expected to undergo surgery.
Police confirmed the accused does not have an extensive criminal history.
