Man shot in western Sydney in second shooting in two days

Police have launched a large-scale search for a gunman who fled on foot after an “ambush-style of attack” that left a 29-year-old fighting for life.

Neighbours have described a flurry of gunshots followed by screams of devastated family members after a man in his 20s was shot multiple times and left fighting for his life.

Mike Papu, 29, was shot in the face, chest and abdomen on Wednesday, when a gunman opened fire about 9pm on Niland Crescent in Blackett. It was the second shooting in as many nights in Sydney’s west.

On Thursday, NSW Police Superintendent Steve Egginton said a “large-scale investigation” was in place to hunt down the gunman who ambushed Mr Papu in the driveway of his home.

“The victim was returning home from work and there was an ambush-style of attack (where) a number of rounds were fired through the windscreen of the car which impacted with the victim,” he said.

“It appears the offender may had some knowledge of the victims movements prior to that.”

A man is in hospital after being shot in western Sydney. picture: TNV

Superintendent Egginton said police were now tracking the movements of the shooter, who fled the scene on foot.

“It looks like there’s only one gunman,” he said.

“We’re fleshing through any involvement from anybody else.”

Police are yet to establish a link between the shooting and a burnt out car found 25 minutes in Agnes Banks. They are also invesigating any links to a recent shooting just a suburb away in Bidwill over the weekend.

“We haven’t been unable to establish any links to any matters that have occurred recently,” he said.

“It’s always disappointing to see people behaving in this manner and resorting to using firearms in residential areas.”

He confirmed relatives of the victim, including children were in the residence at the time, with the 29-year-old in a serious but stable condition and undergoing surgery at Westmead Hospital on Thursday afternoon.

Police found the man with gunshot wounds to his head, chest and abdomen. Picture: TNV

While investigations are still in their infancy, it is understood police do not believe the shooting is linked to the ongoing gang conflict.

Resident Martin Obuga heard the Blackett shooting on Wednesday and said he thought the gunshots were fireworks.

“Sometimes the kids have fireworks in the park,” he said

“Then when I peeped from the window I saw people screaming and before you know it the police were everywhere.”

The Toll rescue helicopter was called to the scene. Picture: TNV

Mr Obuga said the gunman fled the street on foot down an alley way about 50 metres from the home where the shooting took place.

“They got police dogs and a helicopter to trace him,” he said.

“It’s very sad. The family was crying and everybody was screaming.

“They were ‘saying somebody got shot, somebody got shot’.”

Another neighbour who wished not to be named said he heard at least six to eight gunshots fired and too thought they were fireworks.

“I’ve never heard a gunshot before. I thought it was fireworks.

“It was pretty loud and over pretty quickly

“I was putting the kids into bed.”

He said the man who was shot and his family “kept to themselves”.

“I’ve only recently seen the commodore around in the past month.”

It is understood children were present at the time the 29-year-old man was shot.

Another local woman said the shooter flew down the alleyway adjacent to the property.

“I then heard cars screeching around the back,” she said.

“I heard bang, bang, bang and was so scared.

“It’s normally quiet here.”

A car was set on fire after a shooting in Campsie on Tuesday night. Picture: TNV

As inquiries continue police are urging anyone with CCTV footage or information about the incident to contact Mount Druitt police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

The incident at Blackett follows the shooting of a man in Campsie on Tuesday night.

Vailena Koloamatangi, 27, was left fighting for life in hospital after at least one gunman opened fire on him and Ahmad Ezai, in the underground carpark of an apartment block on Canterbury Rd about 9.20pm.

Three burnt out stolen cars, including a Mercedes, were found on fire in the nearby suburbs of Kingsgrove, Berala and Birrong a short time later.

Police sources said Mr Ezai managed to run from the car as the shots began to ring out and luckily avoided injury.

Koloamatangi remains in St George Hospital, with detectives waiting for his condition to improve so he can be interviewed.

It is not yet clear whether there are any links between the two incidents.

More to come.