'Awesome man' shot during violent home invasion in Adelaide's north

A man has been shot during a terrifying home invasion by three people who threatened him and demanded cash in Adelaide's north.

Just after 7am on Saturday, South Australian police received reports of the trio breaking into the home in Elizabeth Vale, threatening and robbing the occupant, Edward Rieger, before shooting him in the leg and making off with the stolen cash.

Rieger was taken to the Royal Adelaide Hospital in a stable condition and police say he is expected to survive.

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"The victim, a 59-year-old from Elizabeth Vale, was taken to the Royal Adelaide Hospital with non-life threatening injuries," SA Police said in a statement.

While there is no known link between the alleged home invaders and the victim, police said they believe it was still a targeted attack.

"While a link between the victim and the suspects is undetermined at this time, it is believed to be a targeted incident," they said.

Neighbour Kirsty Palmer says there was a loud bang early in the morning which startled her awake.

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"My daughter she heard the banging out the front here which woke her up. and then I heard a car speed off but I didn't think much of it," she said.

Rieger's friends told 9News that they were "horrified" by the attack and that there was "no need for anybody to shoot him".

"He's an awesome man, for someone to go do this to him, makes me angry and sad," friend Sarah Schoenau said.

"I hope they get them and arrest them and I hope that get justice."

Anyone with information about the incident has been urged to contact authorities.