A relative at the scene said Mr Zahab’s 42 year-old son Khoder, who lived in Villawood, had come over for dinner with his parents and had stayed the night. Police at the scene ... a body was found in a Bankstown home. Credit:Nick Moir Fairfax Media understands Khoder wasn't allowed to stay at his parents' home but had insisted he stay after dinner. His parents allowed him to out of generosity. However, in the early hours of the morning, Khoder allegedly started attacking his mother and tried to push her down the stairs. One relative said the mother had possibly broken her hand. When his father stepped in, Khoder allegedly attacked him with a brick and a knife.

"He come in and they eat dinner together and sleep inside and after that it happened," said a relative at the scene. Died ... Toufic Zahab. Mr Zahab, a retired carpenter, was described by the relative as a "very good but tough" man who had three sons and five daughters. His grandson, Abdul, said: "Everyone's devastated and shocked." "He was a wonderful man, a beautiful man, well known in the community.This is the most unexpected thing that could occur."

He said Khoder had a mental disorder that occasionally "triggered". Detective Chief Inspector Glen Fitzgerald said the scene was so disturbing that police officers who attended had to be counselled. "Something must have set it off," he said. Other relatives said he was a heavy drug user. Mr Zahab’s wife was taken from the scene in an ambulance and is providing a statement to police. Several other relatives including small children were at home at the time.

Detective Chief Inspector Glen Fitzgerald said the scene was so disturbing that police officers who attended had to be counselled. He confirmed that Mr Zahab was founded decapitated. Family members had scuffled with Khoder after the incident and detained him until police arrived. "The scene is quite disturbing," Detective Chief Inspector Fitzgerald said. "It's been a difficult morning for both the family and police." A close family friend said that her father would drink tea with Toufic Zahab every day.

"He [would] eat with us, laugh with us and converse with us [on] just about anything and everything," she posted online. "Ever since i cud remember he was apart of my family, i used see him more then i used to see my very own blood [sic]." She said Mr Zahab was known for his strong, loud voice and warm personality. "I don't know how my dad will spend his days now that ur gone but i can guarantee that u will always b in his thoughts as he sits alone now on the veranda where ur memories will stay forever," she wrote. Police have set up a crime scene at the home, and homicide squad detectives have been called in to assist detectives from Bankstown Local Area Command.

The Transport Management Centre said all northbound lanes of Stacey Street were closed at the intersection of Macauley Avenue. One northbound lane was re-opened just after 8am. Anyone with information about the man's death has been urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. with Megan Levy