Tasmanian man recovering in hospital after home invaders tie him up and burn down his house
A 76-year-old Tasmanian man was assaulted and his home burned down by two masked intruders who stole his firearms and vehicle. The community is rallying around the victim, a former fisherman known for his past bravery in rescue operations.
Why it matters
The violent home invasion has shocked the local community and highlights ongoing concerns regarding public safety and rural crime in Tasmania.
As an avid fisherman and a history buff living on a block of land on Tasmania's pristine east coast, Grant Whelan enjoyed a peaceful life.
"Dad is like a salt-of-the-earth Tasmanian," Chantel Yates, Whelan's daughter, said.
"He just wants to be on the land and looking after his cows and driving around his farm."
That peaceful life was shattered in the early hours of Saturday.
Police said two masked men broke into Whelan's home at Coles Bay, bound his hands and feet with cable ties, assaulted him and demanded access to his gun safe.
They fled with nine of his guns, some cash and his ute, which was later found submerged in the nearby Aspley River.
Before leaving his property, police said the offenders dragged the 76-year-old outside and set his house on fire.
"There's nothing. He's lost everything," Yates said.
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