Police are appealing for public assistance following an aggravated robbery in which a 79-year-old man was threatened with a large knife by up to five people when he answered the door at his West Kempsey home overnight.
Police say that at around 8pm on Monday, the 79-year-old man was inside his home on Warwick Avenue when he answered a knock at the door.
Police have been told five people – one armed with a large knife – threatened the elderly man and demanded his car keys.
“The man complied before the group fled in a silver Toyota Hilux,” NSW Police said in a statement.
“About 15 minutes later, officers attached to Mid North Coast Police District Proactive Crime Team were conducting patrols of the South Kempsey area when they observed a silver Toyota Hilux accelerate at speed upon sighting police.
“Police activated all warning signals and attempted to stop the vehicle on Middleton Street; however, the vehicle failed to stop and a pursuit was initiated.”
Police say the Hilux continued through a number of streets allegedly reaching speeds of more than 110km/h in a sign-posted 80km/h zone, before turning onto the Pacific Motorway and the Macleay Valley Way at Frederickton.
“The vehicle continued through Frederickton at speed before police terminated the pursuit due to safety concerns,” police said.
A short time later, officers located the Hilux abandoned after it crashed into a fence on Leith Street, West Kempsey.
“An investigation into both incidents has now been launched and as inquiries continue, police would like to speak to five people who may be able to assist them,” police said.
The armed man is described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait appearance, aged in his late teens to early 20s, between 165cm to 170cm tall, of a solid build and wearing dark clothing. His face was also covered.
The other four persons – believed to be three men and one woman – are described as being aged in their late teens and early 20s.
Police are urging anyone who may have either dashcam footage or CCTV from the Kempsey and Frederickton areas between 8pm and 9pm or who may have information which could assist detectives to contact Kempsey Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
