An elderly couple are fighting for their lives after allegedly being stabbed in a home invasion by a stranger, who is also in hospital after being shot, according to police.

Police say they are baffled as to why a 34-year-old man allegedly broke into the couple’s home in Torrington, a small town in northern NSW, before stabbing them about 12.15am on Thursday.

The man, who police say did not steal anything from the couple, allegedly left the home after the stabbing but tried to re-enter, only to encounter the 75-year-old man holding a gun.

The 75-year-old allegedly shot the alleged attacker in the abdomen. The accused man was taken to a nearby hospital.

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Both the 75-year-old man and his 72-year-old wife were airlifted to hospital on the Gold Coast where they remain in critical but stable conditions.

Their alleged attacker has been charged with two counts of wounding with intent to murder.

Detective Superintendent Chris McKinnon said police were not aware of a motive for the alleged attack, nor why the 34-year-old re-entered the property shortly after he had appeared to flee.

The alleged attacker is not accused of stealing any items from the house, nor is he suspected of attending other nearby properties.

Police do not believe the alleged attacker was known to the elderly couple.

“This is a very rare occurrence, this is generally a fairly quiet regional location,” Det Supt McKinnon said.

“But I would certainly encourage people to ensure they are secure in their own premises, they’re able to lock their doors, and be aware of people who aren’t from that area.”

The 34-year-old remains in custody and will face a bail court on Thursday.

-with AAP