A hero son who tackled an alleged home invader on his father’s property next door was allegedly stabbed multiple times while fighting the man off.
Giuseppe Andreula, 50, is being praised for his bravery after going to his elderly father’s aid on Sunday night.
Salvatore Andreula, 84, had gone outside his Ridley Street property in Albion, in Melbourne’s west, when he was allegedly confronted by an unknown assailant.
A Victoria Police spokesperson said when Salvatore went to investigate, he encountered an unknown man armed with a knife.
‘The offender allegedly demanded the 84-year-old’s car keys and punched the elderly victim in the face when he refused,’ the spokesperson said.
‘At that point, the victim’s 50-year-old son, who lives next door, heard the commotion and ran to the property.’
The terrifying incident happened just after 8pm, stunning neighbours along the quiet street.
CCTV footage from a neighbouring property showed the moment police arrived at the Albion home.
Salvatore Andreula, 84, was allegedly attacked outside his own home
‘Stop it, let him go,’ an officer could be heard yelling out in footage obtained by the Herald Sun.
‘Let him go? He’s a f***ing animal,’ a voice could be heard declaring off camera.
The alleged attacker, who is yet to be identified, was also taken to hospital with serious injuries.
He is being kept under police guard as to detectives wait to interview and charge him once he is well enough.
Ridley Street resident Josh Anderson, who has lived on the street for 15 years, praised Giuseppe’s actions.
‘Pretty brave,’ he told reporters.
‘You never know what you’ve got to do in that situation until you’re faced with it, but when someone comes into your house, you should be able to defend yourself.’
Another neighbour described Giuseppe as a gentle soul.
CCTV captured from next door caught police arriving at the scene
A hero son has been stabbed after confronting a violent home invader at his father’s Ridley St house
‘Fantastic – he’s that type of a guy but he wouldn’t hurt a fly,’ he said.
Other neighbours claimed they had heard terrifying screams coming from inside their neighbour’s home.
‘I heard the words ‘killing me’ and just called triple-0 straight away,’ a man told reporters.
The incident follows a string of home invasions which prompted Libertarian Party MP David Limbrick to announce he would propose strengthening Victoria’s self-defence laws to better protect residents.
‘At the moment, in Victoria, there’s some exemptions for self-defence in your home,’ he said.
Anyone with information that could assist police with their enquiries is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online.
