Bankstown shooting may have been ‘mistaken identity’: NSW Police

CCTV has been released after a southwestern Sydney home with ten people inside, including five children, was sprayed with bullets.

A family of five adults and five children could have been the victims of mistaken identity when six shots were fired into their Bankstown home.

The shots were fired at the home on Columbine Ave around 10pm on Sunday while 10 people were home.

No one was injured in the incident.

Police said a white hatchback, possibly a Volkswagen Polo or similar vehicle, was seen speeding away from the home after the shooting. Picture: NSW Police

Local resident Nissarine Keru heard what sounded like fireworks when she raced outside and saw glass shattered on the pavement of the neighbouring house.

“We heard what sounded like fireworks and then went outside and saw the glass shattered,” she said.

“It’s really shocking, we’ve never had anything like this in our street.”

Police have since been told a white hatchback, possibly a Volkswagen Polo or similar vehicle, was seen speeding away from the scene shortly after the incident.

Ten people, including five children, were inside the Bankstown home when it was shot at on Sunday. Picture: Richard Dobson

Police said the family inside the home were lucky they weren’t injured. Picture: Richard Dobson

Detectives are now searching for the driver of the vehicle, believed to be a male.

Bankstown Police Area Commander Superintendent Adam Johnson said the motive for the attack was unclear but police were investigating whether the shooting may have been a case of mistaken identity.

“A number of rounds had been discharged but we are unsure about the motive. The investigation is continuing with Bankstown detectives working alongside the State Crime Command,” he said.

He said it was sheer luck that the occupants weren’t seriously injured - or even killed - in the attack.

“[The family are] quite upset, it’s a very distressing thing to happen,” he said.

The family, who are not known to police, are assisting with inquiries. Police have not linked the incident to other public place shootings.

A crime scene has been established at the home, which will be forensically examined by specialist police.

As inquiries into the incident continue, police are appealing for anyone with information to come forward and contact Bankstown Police on 9783 2199 or Crime Stoppers.