A Melbourne man is set to spend Christmas behind bars after he allegedly shot an intruder who broke into his home.

Police say four people forced their way into a Delahey home in Melbourne’s west last month and confronted the three people who were inside.

During the home invasion, one of the occupants was assaulted.

“The occupant or the homeowner has then, we allege, fired a shot back at these people and as a result a male received a serious injury,” Detective Acting Sergeant Paul Jones said.

That man remains on life support in hospital with life-threatening injuries from his gunshot wound.

Two further alleged intruders, a 31-year-old woman and a 34-year-old man, were arrested and remain in custody. Both have been charged with a string of offences including armed robbery and will face court in January.

Police have also confirmed the 37-year-old occupant is behind bars after being remanded in custody.

He will return to court on January 17 to face a charge of intentionally causing serious injury.

The fourth alleged intruder remains on the run, with police putting out an appeal on Wednesday.