Man wanted after axe attack on family in Gippsland

Police have named a Victorian man who remains at large after he allegedly attacked his elderly parents and brother with an axe in Gippsland yesterday.

Two male victims, aged 76 and 47, were yesterday airlifted to hospital with life-threatening injuries.

A 74-year-old woman was taken to hospital with critical injuries.

Victoria Police today said they had issued a warrant to arrest Peter O'Ryan, who is 48 and known to the victims, following the incident in the town of Tyers yesterday.

Speaking outside Morwell police station this afternoon, Detective Senior Sergeant Rod Findlay said it was alleged that during an argument Mr O'Ryan first assaulted his brother, then his parents.

"The injuries are very, very extreme ... a lot of injuries requiring really serious treatment by the ambulance, and then they've been flown for immediate surgery down to The Alfred hospital," he said.

He said the family members were currently in intensive care at the hospital, and two had not yet gained consciousness.

Police are still trying to piece together what happened.

"We've had limited opportunity to speak to the victims," Senior Sergeant Findlay said.

"Two have really not had consciousness since the incident, and one that we've spoken to has only really been able to provide basic details in-between being treated, and obviously the painkillers and things that have been given are really presenting challenges for us."

Senior Sergeant Findlay said it was believed the weapon was a blunt axe or tomahawk, but that had not been confirmed.

"At this stage we definitely believe he's still likely armed with that axe," he said.

Emergency services were called to a property on Cowies Road about 12:30pm on Saturday.

Police said the alleged offender had fled the address on foot, and that a search of the area was still underway.

Senior Sergeant Findlay said Mr O'Ryan had been known to police in the past and while he had no fixed address, he was known to regularly spend time in Morwell, Traralgon and Tyers.

Police would search rural properties, including sheds and barns, he said.

"Certainly there are a lot of properties that are vacant at the moment, there are a lot of places for people who are itinerant to stay," he said.

Mr O'Ryan was last seen wearing a distinctive black-and-mustard-coloured jacket, and is described as being of medium build with dark grey hair.

Police have warned that Mr O'Ryan may be armed with an axe and should not be approached.

"The community will notice a lot of police in the Tyers and Morwell area today," Senior Sergeant Findlay said.

"You'll see the helicopter overhead, no doubt — we are working furiously to try to bring him into custody so that we can make sure everyone's safe and he's held to account."

Any members of the public who see him are urged to call Triple Zero (000) immediately, with detectives also urging Mr O'Ryan to make contact with police or present himself at any police station.

"I'd encourage him to call us. I'd encourage him to walk into a police station and give yourself up — come and see us, we can figure it out, we're ready to talk, we're ready to support and do what we can for Peter," Senior Sergeant Findlay said.

"That's what we hope. No one else needs to get hurt and he doesn't need to get hurt, that's really important."