Residents in two separate homes, on MacLeay Street and Phillip Avenue, were believed to have been bashed by two perpetrators between 6am and 7am. 

The Daily Advertiser understands screaming and yelling erupted during the altercations, prompting neighbours to call 000. 

Police claim both of the incidents had strong drug ties, and at this stage believe all of those involved were known to each other. 

Inquiries led officers to an address on Northcott Parade where two persons of interest were interviewed and taken into Wagga police station for further questioning.

Investigations led to the arrest of a 27-year-old Mount Austin man, who was charged with causing malicious damage and assault causing bodily harm. 

He was approved conditional bail to appear before Wagga Local Court on January 25. 

The second suspect was released by police and it is believed a third person is on the run. 

Paramedics treated several victims for minor injuries at the properties. 

Inspector Peter McLay told The Daily Advertiser police’s suspicions of drug-related activity were further fuelled after a number of witnesses and victims refused to speak to officers. 

“A number of them refused to cooperate with police which made the investigation more difficult,” he said. 

It comes as Wagga’s police chief Bob Noble has predicted the majority of the city’s crimes could be fuelled by drug trades. 

He said “more than half” of property crimes could be linked to the drug ice alone.

“I can tell you, ice is certainly the most prevalent thing we come across,” he said.

“There is a lot of people ending up before the court on drug charges.

“We want to stop the spread of prohibited drugs at the source, before they begin circulating within our neighbourhoods.”

The late 2015 Strike Force Calyx, which put roughly 60 drug dealers behind bars, revealed that many of the city’s criminals were stealing phones, wallets and jewellery to exchange for drugs.