Strabane woman attacked in Australia during house break-in

A TYRONE woman has spoken of her terror after being left bruised and bloodied during a violent machete attack in her home in Perth, Australia.

Latoyah Moore, originally from Strabane but now living in Perth, was struck in the face with the handle of a machete when four masked men in balaclavas forced their way into her house.

The gang later fled after stealing her housemate’s car.

The ordeal formed part of a chilling crime spree across Perth’s northern suburbs last Wednesday, September 24, with armed men randomly targeting homes.

In one case, intruders rammed through a garage door before hacking at a locked bedroom and threatening a 24-year-old woman inside. Another victim was assaulted and a second car stolen. Police believe the same gang was behind all the attacks and stressed the victims were picked at random.

Western Australia Police condemned the spree, stating, “Violence of this nature is unacceptable, and people being threatened in the safety of their own homes is something that will not be tolerated.”

Despite the terrifying ordeal, Latoyah told the Tyrone Herald she remains determined to stay positive about her life in Australia.

“I came to Australia for a better life, this is my home,” she said.

“What happened was awful, and I wouldn’t want it to happen to anyone. But I wouldn’t want this to put people off moving here. Australia is full of opportunity and moving here has been the best thing I’ve ever done.”

Latoyah, who has lived in Perth for a decade, added, “The support I’ve had from the Australian police and the local people has been amazing. Despite what happened, I still love living here – but it was a really frightening experience.”