A terrifying chain of events is about to unfold in Home and Away, as one of Summer Bay’s most dangerous gangs launches a brutal attack that could change several lives forever.

Next week’s episodes see the long-running River Boys feud escalate dramatically, placing Theo Poulos and Sonny Baldwin in mortal danger just as a critical court case reaches its climax.

What begins as a tense journey to testify against gang leader Gage quickly spirals into chaos, violence, and desperation—leaving the fate of multiple characters hanging in the balance.

A Trial That Could Bring Down the River Boys

The looming court case against Gage has been building for weeks. The River Boys leader stands accused of a vicious assault on Theo after discovering that Theo had secretly been involved with his girlfriend, Lacy. In a shocking act of revenge, Gage crushed Theo beneath his own car, leaving him critically injured.

Theo survived only because Sonny intervened during the attack. Even then, Sonny paid a heavy price—suffering a savage beating of his own at the hands of one of Gage’s loyal enforcers, the ruthless Spanner.

Determined to bring Gage to justice, Lacy agreed to testify against him. Police immediately placed her under strict protection in a secret safe house, aware that the River Boys would stop at nothing to silence anyone threatening their leader.

Theo, meanwhile, remained under guard in hospital after giving his statement, still recovering from the devastating injuries inflicted during the assault.

Isolation, Heartbreak, and Rising Tensions

As the trial approached, the pressure on everyone involved intensified.

Sonny—who was also set to testify, this time against Spanner—was hidden away in a motel arranged by Remi, complete with hired security guards. During this period of isolation, Sonny unexpectedly formed a growing connection with Dana, bringing a rare glimmer of warmth into an otherwise frightening situation.

Theo’s emotional state, however, took a far darker turn.

From the safe house, Lacy made the painful decision to call Theo and end their relationship. She believed cutting ties was the only way to keep him safe from further retaliation.

For Theo, the call was devastating.

Already traumatized from the attack, he lashed out at those closest to him—particularly Leah, who had previously warned Lacy to stay away from her nephew. Convinced that Leah’s interference contributed to the breakup, Theo declared he would not return home to live with her and Justin.

Instead, once discharged from hospital, Theo moved into the Pier apartment with Sonny. The arrangement—suggested by Bree—allowed them to remain together under the watch of private security while awaiting their day in court.

But safety in Summer Bay is often an illusion.

Lacy’s Shocking Return

In a dramatic twist, Lacy suddenly appeared at the apartment, revealing she had abandoned police protection.

Believing the River Boys no longer posed a threat, she had walked out of the safe house and returned to Summer Bay. Unfortunately, she had no idea she was already being watched.

Members of the River Boys had quietly tracked her movements—following her straight back to Theo and Sonny’s doorstep.

The gang’s surveillance intensified when they spotted Sonny meeting Dana at the beach. Their bodyguard failed to notice anything suspicious, but River Boy Diesel certainly did.

Later, Diesel approached Dana at Salt and delivered a chilling message: Sonny had better keep his mouth shut.

The Journey to Court

The following morning, Theo, Sonny, Lacy, and Dana prepared to travel to Reefton Lakes courthouse. Accompanied by bodyguards, the group climbed into a people carrier and began the tense journey.

What they didn’t realize was that several River Boys vehicles were already tailing them from a distance.

Diesel had been given a clear order: ensure that no one made it to court to testify.

The trap was about to spring.

A Brutal Bushland Ambush

As the vehicle traveled along a remote road, it suddenly screeched to a halt. A large fallen branch blocked the path ahead.

The bodyguards stepped out to clear it.

That’s when Lacy sensed something was terribly wrong.

Moments later, her fears were confirmed.

Masked River Boys emerged from the surrounding bushland, swarming toward the vehicle in overwhelming numbers. Within seconds, the gang launched a savage assault on the bodyguards, beating them mercilessly.

Inside the vehicle, panic erupted.

Sonny rushed to the driver’s seat in a desperate attempt to escape—but another River Boys car roared up behind them, sealing off the only route out.

They were completely trapped.

Theo and Sonny Taken

The gang wasted no time delivering their message.

The witnesses had been warned not to talk.

Now they would face the consequences.

The River Boys ordered Lacy and Dana out of the vehicle, leaving them stranded on the isolated road. Meanwhile, the gang commandeered the people carrier and sped away—with Sonny and Theo still inside.

Diesel confiscated Dana’s phone, but Lacy managed to bluff her way through by claiming police had already taken hers.

In reality, she had secretly hidden it in the vehicle.

A detail that could later prove crucial.

The Search Begins

With no transport and no way to call for help, Lacy and Dana began the long walk back toward town.

Eventually, they managed to raise the alarm.

Cash Newman immediately sprang into action, racing out to meet them, while Tane soon joined the effort. When Cash asked if there was any way to track the kidnappers, Lacy revealed her hidden phone inside the vehicle.

It was the only chance they had.

But the situation grew even more complicated when police received shocking news from the courthouse.

Despite the violent ambush, the trial against Gage would proceed without delay.

Theo and Sonny’s written statements would have to suffice.

Stranded and Running Out of Time

Meanwhile, deep in the bushland, Theo regained consciousness to a grim reality.

He and Sonny had been dumped in a remote location, far from help.

Theo was still in severe pain following surgery, and his wounds were worsening. With limited water and supplies, the pair were forced to ration everything while hoping someone would find them.

Sonny managed to locate some painkillers, but it was clear they were in serious trouble.

Back in town, Lacy made a monumental decision.

If the case had any chance of succeeding, someone had to testify in person.

She volunteered.

Justice… and New Danger

Later, Cash returned from court with mixed news.

Gage had been convicted.

But the victory felt hollow.

The River Boys now had every reason to retaliate.

And Theo and Sonny were still missing.

When Sonny eventually discovered Lacy’s hidden phone, he raced off searching for a signal. Miraculously, he managed to place a call, giving police a crucial clue to their location.

But the clock was already ticking.

The River Boys were coming back.

A Final Confrontation Looms

As Sonny returned to the vehicle, horror struck.

The River Boys had already found Theo—and were preparing to attack him again, targeting his earlier injuries.

Diesel shouted for Sonny to reveal himself.

Then he punched Theo brutally in the stomach.

Knowing Theo might not survive another beating, Sonny stepped out from hiding and surrendered.

Now completely outnumbered, both men faced the full fury of the River Boys.

Meanwhile, Cash and Tane were racing toward the bushland after receiving Sonny’s call.

But will they arrive in time to stop the gang?

Or will the River Boys finish what they started?

One thing is certain: Summer Bay is about to witness one of its most explosive showdowns yet.