NSW man charged with attempted murder

A man who allegedly tied up an elderly man in his northern NSW home before setting fire to it has been charged with attempted murder.

The 74-year-old victim spent several days recovering in hospital in October last year after two men forced their way into his Lismore home and allegedly bashed him, tied him up and set fire to the house, police say.

The men also stole several items and took off in the elderly man's car.

He was later freed by emergency services and taken to Lismore Base Hospital.

About a month later another elderly man was bashed by three men who invaded his home at nearby Richmond Hill.

Some property was stolen from the 74-year-old's house, police said.

A strike force was formed to investigate the incidents and after several months of inquiries a 26-year-old man was arrested on Thursday.

Police charged him with several offences including attempted murder and aggravated break and enter.

Bail was refused and he's due before Armidale Local Court on Friday.