Shots fired at ex-horse trainer Mark Riley’s Mt Martha home
A gunman is on the loose after shots were fired on the home of disgraced group 1-winning horse trainer Mark Riley, with neighbours saying they “leapt out of bed” in fright during the terrifying early-morning attack.
South East
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A gunman is on the run following a terrifying shooting attack at the Mt Martha home of former horse trainer Mark Riley.
It comes after petrified Phillips Crt residents woke to the sound of shots fired in the early hours of yesterday morning.
The Leader understands Riley — a group 1-winning trainer who was based at Mornington before quitting racing in 2016 following a three-year doping disqualification — was interstate at the time. However, Victoria Police confirmed all occupants escaped uninjured.
A police spokeswoman said investigators were told a number of shots were fired at the house about 4.25am.
Police are investigating whether all parties are known to each other
“The investigation is ongoing. Police conduct regular patrols in the Mt Martha area and will be increasing their presence this evening to ensure the safety of the community,” the spokeswoman told the Leader.
A small hole could be seen in the garage door of the Riley property, which was unoccupied on Wednesday morning.
Mr Riley told the Leader police had been contacted but would not comment on the circumstances of the suspicious shooting.
“Police are involved and there is an ongoing investigation … that’s all we have to say,” he said.
One Mt Martha resident of 14 years, who did not want to be named, told the Leader police officers were seen doorknocking the area asking for CCTV footage and if people had noticed any suspicious activity.
“(Neighbours) woke up and thought it was a motorbike or car at first then we were told (the noise) was bullets,” the resident said.
One neighbour, who did not want to be named, told the Leader she woke to the sound of four gunshots.
“I thought someone smashed my door in, I leapt out of bed and thought what the hell was that,” she said.
“I was told it was a gunman on a motorbike … it gave me such a fright.”
The woman said there had been “no trouble” at the Riley residence over the past decade but said it was “weird” that police weren’t called to the property until about 9am.
“Mark’s kids and grandkids are there all the time … there’s never been any drama,” she said.
“But if that was my house I’d be calling the police straight away … I don’t know why they weren’t called at first.”
Police urge anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
brittany.goldsmith@news.com.au
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