Garrong Road, Lakemba: Homes targeted in Sydney shootings
Police say they are taking two targeted shootings in western Sydney “very seriously” as they hunt for the gunmen. Forensic investigators are scouring the scenes for clues.
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Police are on the hunt for at least four gunmen after shots were fired into homes in Sydney’s west and south west in separate incidents which have left residents terrified.
In the first incident, a man was rushed to hospital after bullets ripped through a home on Garrong Road, Lakemba just after 8pm on Monday.
Police arrived to find a 29-year-old man suffering gunshot wounds to the stomach and thigh. He was treated by paramedics upon arrival before being rushed to St George Hospital for emergency surgery.
His injuries are not considered life-threatening and he is in a stable condition. A 33-year-old woman was also treated for shock.
A crime scene has been established and forensic investigators will scour the house for clues.
Police believe those responsible fled in a white SUV and are appealing for help from the public.
Investigators believe the shooting was targeted, with a number of fired cartridge cases found at the scene.
“We are definitely of the belief that this was a targeted attack. It appears that, for whatever reason, our victim was in Garrong Rd at Lakemba when he was set upon, or chased by these other four males, and then set upon within a residence,” Campsie police commander Acting Superintendent Dennis O’Donohue told media on Tuesday morning.
“Obviously it’s of great concern to us that this man has been attacked inside the private residence of innocent members of our community. For that reason, we’re taking this matter very seriously.”
Mr O’Donohue said the victim was known to police.
“We have information that he’s possibly associated with a number of known organised crime networks but that’s something that will be clarified down the track. In this early stage of the investigation, our priority is just to determine what happened in Lakemba last night and those people that were involved.
“Police won’t tolerate this type of criminal activity ... We are putting all available resources into this investigation,” he said.
Just hours later, shots were fired at a home on Tarlington Parade, Bonnyrigg in what police say was a separate, targeted attack.
Emergency services were called to the house just after 11:30pm after reports of a drive-by shooting.
Detectives arrived to find the home riddled with bullet holes, including five holes in the front screen door.
Nine people were home at the time of the shooting - including two children - but no one was injured.
A white hatchback vehicle was seen fleeing the scene following the attack. Police believe at least four men were in the vehicle.
No arrests have been made and inquiries are continuing.
Police have established a crime scene and forensic services are investigating.
Anyone with information about either incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.