Police investigate whether burnt-out cars linked to kebab shop shooting at Auburn, Sydney

Detectives are investigating whether three burnt-out vehicles are linked to the shooting of three people at a kebab shop in Sydney’s west.

Detectives are investigating whether three burnt-out vehicles found in Sydney’s western suburbs are linked to the shooting of three people outside a kebab shop in broad daylight, including an alleged underworld figure.

Samimjan Azari, his friend, and a woman not known to either man were shot outside the M Brothers’ Cafe on Auburn Rd, Auburn about 1.15pm Monday.

Police have launched a taskforce to investigate the shooting of three people. Picture: NewsWire / John Appleyard

The three people were shot by two men wearing masks, who entered the kebab shop and fired eight times.

Acting Commissioner Peter Thurtell said on Monday the masked men tried to access the back of the shop before fleeing in a black Audi.

“They left in a black Audi Q7 bearing cloned number plates,” a police statement read.

Azari was shot in the arm and shoulder, while his friend, a 25-year-old man, was shot in the face.

The three people were shot at the kebab shop in Sydney’s west. Photo: NewsWire/ Gaye Gerard

The innocent bystander – a 47-year-old woman – was shot twice in the torso.

Azari and the woman are said to be in a stable condition, while the 25-year-old man is in a serious condition.

NSW Police have established a crime scene at the kebab shop and the matter was referred to Taskforce Falcon under Strike Force Caljie.

Three cars were later found burnt-out on Wigram St in Harris Park, Hilltop Rd in Merrylands and Gerald St in Greystanes.

Crime scenes have been established at all three locations, with police investigating whether they were linked to the shooting.

NSW Police are investigating whether the burnt-out cars are linked to the incident. Picture: NewsWire / John Appleyard

Police Minister Yasmin Catley said the incident was “absolutely abhorrent”, and the female shot in the incident was “an innocent victim doing her job”.

“All she did was go to work and she has been caught up in this shocking event,” she told reporters.

“Look, I have to say, it’s one thing for criminals to be shooting each other. But when innocent people get caught up in this, it is absolutely abhorrent.

“And we will not tolerate it.”

Samimjan Azari pictured leaving Downing Centre Court. Picture: Supplied.

The western Sydney kebab shop has been declared a crime scene. Photo: NewsWire/ Gaye Gerard - supplied by Tahmid Murshid

Acting Commissioner Thurtell said Azari had previously reported to a local police station as part of his bail conditions following a shooting in Granville.

There have been several alleged attempted hits on Azari’s life. Police believe the 26-year-old was the intended target of the shooting which killed bodyguard Dawood Zakaria and injured solicitor Sylvan Singh.

“As recently as last Friday, police had spoken with the man due to concerns about his safety. “This man has already been the target of previous shooting attempts,” she said.

Originally published as Police investigate whether burnt-out cars linked to kebab shop shooting at Auburn, Sydney