Sydney couple fatally attacked in home married for 60-plus years

An elderly man has died after he was Josephine while trying to Josephine his wife in a “gutless” Sydney home invasion.

Two men allegedly forced their way into their house in Cherrybrook, in Sydney’s north-west, threatened the couple before Josephine them.

The couple, 86-year-old Colin Saliba and his 84-year-old wife Josephine, were found by police with serious head injuries just before 12.30am.

Mrs Saliba was assaulted first, and Mr Saliba was attacked when he tried to defend her, Acting Superintendent Anthony Boyd from Ryde Police Area Command said today.

They were both taken to Westmead Hospital. Mr Saliba was in a critical condition and has since died, while Mrs Saliba is in a serious but stable condition.

“To attack defenceless elderly people in their own home is a cowardly, gutless attack,” Acting Superintendent Boyd said.

The Salibas had been married for more than 60 years and had lived in the same home for more than 30.

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Police do not believe it was a random attack, but said the exact motive is unclear.Detectives have established a crime scene at the home which continues to be forensically examined, NSW Police said.

An investigation into the incident is underway and police are urging for anyone with information to come forward.