It was only about 8.30pm when Mr Bubalo, alternating between watching soccer on television and the motel’s office security camera, noticed a number of youths on the property.

Thinking they had gone shortly after, he went outside to close and secure the gate, only to be set upon from behind.

Mr Bubalo said he had managed to hit one of his assailants in the face, forcing him back until others in the gang had managed to drag him down to the ground and kicked him.

“They hit me everywhere,” he said, “back, front, head, shoulders.”

He said he had feared for his life, being saved by the screams of one of the motel’s patrons and the action of a neighbour who had come to his aid wielding a chair. The group of youths fled the scene.

Blood was left splattered on the motel’s driveway, although Mr Bubalo said he didn’t know whether it was his or that of one of his attackers.

His wife, Violet Bubalo, said she had been in the shower at the time of the assault and robbery and had not reacted as sounds of shouting and arguing in Warialda St were commonplace.

“I just heard yelling, but to me it was a normal thing,” Mrs Bubalo said.

Mrs Bubalo said the group had not gotten away with any cash from the business, but a laptop computer, mobile phone, and wallets had been stolen.

Forensic police had set up a crime scene early Tuesday afternoon.

Barwon Local Area Command crime manager Detective Inspector Tim Beattie said three or four young males, aged between 15 and 17-years-old, were wanted for questioning in relation to the assault and robbery.

He said the group were wearing dark clothes, caps or hooded jumpers.

Police had recovered some of the stolen property, Detective Inspector Beattie said, although he asked members of the community to keep an eye out for anyone trying to sell a laptop computer.

“At times perpetrators will try to offload that property,” he said.

Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or Moree Police on 6752 9499.