Torrington home invasion: Intruder shot after allegedly stabbing elderly couple at their home in northern NSW

An elderly couple have been seriously injured and a man has been shot during a suspected home invasion in northern New South Wales.

Emergency services rushed to the rural property in Torrington about 12.15am after one of the homeowners called triple-0 to report a stranger had broken into the house.

NSW Police said in a statement the force had been told a 75-year-old man and a 72-year-old woman were inside the home when a 34-year-old man entered the property and allegedly stabbed them both with a knife.

“The woman collapsed with a chest wound while her husband was slashed across his abdomen, before the man went outside onto the verandah,” police said.

“The homeowner called Triple Zero (000) seeking urgent assistance and police from Tenterfield and Glen Innes and NSW Ambulance paramedics were immediately despatched.”

Police and NSW ambulance paramedics were immediately sent to the scene, but before they arrived the resident shot the younger man as he attempted to get back into the house.

The couple sustained serious injuries during the home invasion and have been airlifted to Gold Coast Hospital in critical condition.

The suspected perpetrator has been taken to hospital under police guard in a serious but stable condition.

“The younger man was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics for a gunshot wound and is being taken by road ambulance to Armidale Hospital under police guard,” police said.

Police have since charged the 34-year-old with two counts of cause wounding/grievous bodily harm to a person with intent to murder.

He has been refused bail and is due to appear in court later on Thursday.

Early reports indicate the younger man is not known to the elderly couple.