Five people have been arrested following reported gun shots

Neighbours at a southwest Sydney apartment block have said they heard several loud bangs as five people remain in custody and specialist police comb the scene of the incident.

A major police operation is underway in Sydney’s southwest following the arrest of five people after a reported gunshot was heard in the early hours of Monday morning.

Dozens of officers, including detectives and tactical police, are on scene at the Liverpool apartment block on Charles Street after being called to the scene about 1am.

Unit block resident Jin Shin said he heard multiple loud bangs shortly after 1am on Monday morning.

“I heard gunshots, I was scared,” he said.

“Too many times here, it’s dangerous.”

The complex which police surrounded on Monday before arresting five people after a gun was allegedly fired. Picture: John Grainger

Tactical police were seen intently searching the unit block’s carpark for any evidence linked to the reported gunshot including every vehicle in the premises, surrounding garden beds and even nearby rubbish bins.

A white truck in the complex’s carpark was of high interest to police as they forensically searched the vehicle before it was loaded onto a tow truck and escorted away.

Police have sealed a truck and removed it via tow truck. Picture: John Grainger

Sniffer dogs were also spotted assisting officers with their investigations.

Police sources said the loud bang was heard echoing from the park that overlooks the Charles Street unit block and a group of people were spotted fleeing into one of the unit’s shortly after.

When officers arrived, the group wouldn’t come out of the unit and this led to the stand-off.

Police sources said they were yet to clarify whether the loud bang was from a gun or even a firecracker.

Police are also investigating an argument heard on the street in the early hours of the Monday morning, and whether it was linked to the incident.

Police sift through garbage around the apartment block looking for evidence. Picture: John Grainger

Charles Street residents said they heard a lot of commotion throughout the morning.

“I saw a heap of police cars coming through early this morning before they blocked off the road,” one man said.

“I didn’t hear (anything) but I heard all of the police sirens and someone talking through a microphone,” another resident said.

“It’s really scary what Australia’s coming too.”

Earlier, police had warned residents to stay inside as negotiators, special officers and heavily armed tactical officers arrived at the scene at 2am.

Half a dozen police vehicles surrounded the apartment and established a perimeter before a woman was arrested when she fled the building at 2.15am.

After three hours on the scene police were finally able to apprehend four other people at 5.40am, with a further two women and two men taken into custody.

There have been no reports of injury.

Anyone with information is urged to call Liverpool Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.