NSW Police appeal for information after two men allegedly attempted to run over a police officer

Police have appealed for information after two men allegedly tried to run over a constable, before the officer fired a single shot to deter the men.

Police will investigate whether the two men who allegedly attempted to ram a junior officer with a car have links to organised crime gangs, as they appeal for help from the public.

The constable fired a shot at the car as it sped away following a confrontation in an

underground car park of a unit block St Peters, in Sydney’s inner west.

Police were called to the Princes Highway unit block, following reports of a break and enter about 1.15am on Sunday.

When police approached the two men, they got into a white Volkswagen Golf and tried to drive off.

However when police tried to stop the car, the vehicle drove directly at a constable, reaching a “close proximity” before the officer fired a single shot at the car. It then sped away from the scene.

“It’s very confronting to be driven at and it’s not a pleasant time to discharge a firearm for any officer,” Acting Superintendent Commander Ben Kennis of the Inner West Police Area Command told reporters.

Following the confrontation, the vehicle, which carried plates which have been reported as stolen, was involved in a short pursuit in Rozelle, before it was found on fire in an underground carpark in Harris St Pyrmont, about 2.7km away from Rozelle.

Police attempted to stop the runaway car, however it then charged directly at police. Picture: NCA NewsWire/ Gaye Gerard

Two crime scenes have been established at the St Peters and Pyrmont site, with forensic experts combing through the Volkswagen Golf.

No injuries have been reported as a result of the fired bullet.

Commander Kennis couldn’t confirm whether the two men were known to police at the time, but said potential links to organised crime would be looked into.

“That will certainly be a line of inquiry that we will pursue. At this stage, the identity of the offenders is unknown, so there is no information in relation to any links to organised crime but that certainly will form part of the investigation,” he said.

He said the officers at the scene had “acted on their suspicion” when confronting them.

“They called on them to stop, and when they ran that’s when police pursued them,” he said.

Commander Kennis said police could discharge their fire arm in circumstances when they believe there is a threat to their life.

He said the constable who discharged his gun will be “spoken to and those details will come out in the investigation”.

He also said he had spoken to the constable and said they were “doing quite well”.

“I spoke with that police officer this morning and they are doing quite well.

“(They) haven’t slept much however hopefully with some sleep and some exercise they will be feeling much better.

“But we will support that officer and wrap a lot of support around them.”

Police have urged anyone with information, CCTV or dashcam footage to contact police, or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Originally published as NSW Police appeal for information after two men allegedly attempted to run over a police officer