âNo dramaâ: Hero dad would do it again A father bashed by three thugs who invaded his neighbourâs house says heâd do it again âin a heartbeatâ. WARNING: Graphic
Crime by Jack Paynter
Premium Content WARNING: Graphic image The Melbourne father who jumped over his neighbour s fence when he heard her terrified screams before being bashed by three thugs says he would do the same thing again in a heartbeat . Dad-of-three Russell Irwin was toasting marshmallows with his kids when he heard a gut-curdling scream from the woman next door to his Cranbourne North home about 7.15pm on February 1.
Detective Senior Constable Alex Fiore commended Mr Irwin s bravery. An innocent man was just in the backyard with his family and has come to the aid of a neighbour, and unfortunately been attacked himself. The victim is extremely brave. I know the occupants of this address are very grateful for his involvement, he said.
Detective Senior Constable Fiore said detectives were trying to establish if the victims of the invasion knew the offenders. Police are investigating whether the home invasion was targeted or an isolated incident, he said. We think there may be a relationship but we re not sure.
Witnesses told 9News the offenders were demanding money and fled when it became clear they were not getting any.