Lane Cove shopping district manhunt ends, police inquiries continue

A two-hour manhunt around Lane Cove’s busy shopping strip has ended, after officers, PolAir and the Dog Unit searched for a man armed with a screwdriver. Roads have now reopened and inquiries are continuing.

Police, PolAir and the Dog Unit have concluded a two-hour manhunt near Lane Cove’s busy shopping strip, and roads have been reopened.

Officers attended spoke to man on Longueville Rd in Lane Cove about 4pm yesterday, and, after a short interaction regarding an ongoing investigation, he produced a screwdriver before fleeing the scene.

The area around the Longueville Hotel at Lane Cove has been cordoned off by police. Picture: Christian Gilles

A witness who was in the Longueville Hotel across the road told The Daily Telegraph: “He tried to stab one officer with the screwdriver, then next thing he was across the road and they were chasing him.

“He ran across the road and disappeared, so they came into the hotel and turned it upside down. They thought he was in there hiding somewhere, but he wasn’t.”

The hotel was cordoned off and traffic diversions were in place while a major search was under way for the man.

Officers hunt for the missing man. Picture: Christian Gilles

“He’s gotten to the … doors there and he’s tried to rip the doors closed behind the police officer and then the police officer has tried to run across the road,” one witness told 9 News.

“He was really agitated, really agitated, he had a shaved head, a three-day growth and a grey hoodie.”

A police spokesman said no officers were injured.

Police divert traffic outside the hotel. Picture: Christian Gilles

People were evacuated from all the surrounding businesses.

Phil Jensen, owner of neighbouring business Shortie’s Bar & Grill, said “Police came through my venue and asked for permission to search the premises and upstairs. They were worried he was up on the roof somewhere and would get away.”

Buses on routes 253 254 261 & 265 heading southbound were diverted away from Longueville Rd due to the police operation but services have returned to normal.

Police thanked the public for their patience and assistance during the road closures.

Motorists are being told to avoid the area. Picture: Christian Gilles