Ex-RHONJ star Dina Manzo and boyfriend Dave Cantin beaten with baseball bat in home robbery

Former Real Housewives of New Jersey (RHONJ) star Dina Manzo and her boyfriend Dave Cantin were attacked by robbers at their home in Holmdel, New Jersey, on Saturday (13 May).

According to reports, when the 46-year-old reality star and her millionaire businessman boyfriend, 37, returned home and opened the door two masked robbers rushed at them and started beating Cantin with a baseball bat, while Manzo was punched multiple times. The robbers then bound the couple together before they fled with stolen personal property, including cash and jewellery.

After the robbers left, Cantin managed to free himself and call the police, who arrived at the spot shortly afterwards. The couple were then taken to hospital, where Cantin was treated for injuries to his face and a broken nose, while Manzo was treated for facial injuries. They were released from the hospital after that.

The horrifying incident happened around 11pm as they returned home after celebrating RHONJ co-star Teresa Giudice's daughter Audriana's first communion. Holmdel police and Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office have launched a joint investigation into the matter.

"Dina and David are obviously shaken up from the traumatic and violent home invasion and robbery. No one should ever have to go through what they did. They are grateful to law enforcement and the other emergency responders and appreciate everyone's concern and well-wishes," the couple's attorney on behalf of his clients said in a statement.

Manzo appeared on the first two seasons of RHONJ and appeared as guest on the fourth season of the show. She returned as a full-time cast member for the sixth season in 2014 and left the show the following year.

New Jersey native Cantin is the co-owner of one of the largest car dealerships in the world. Manzo and Cantin started dating in 2015.