A man has died in a broad daylight shooting in Sydney’s northwest in what police described as a “brazen” targeted attack.
On Wednesday around 6pm, emergency services were called to Annaluke Street in Riverstone after reports of a shooting.
Police found a man suffering from gunshot wounds and he was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics, but he died at the scene.
Shortly after, emergency services were called to nearby Riverstone Road following reports of a car fire.
Fire and Rescue NSW extinguished the fire, but the vehicle, a red Audi, was destroyed.
Police were then notified of a second vehicle on fire on Matthias Street in Riverstone, with this white van also destroyed by the fire.
Neighbors watched in shock as the gunfire ripped through one of the two vehicles in question. (Provided: Courtney Sturgess)
Riverstone Police Area Commander, Director Jason Joyce, said three crime scenes had since been created, with officers working to determine whether they were linked incidents.
Police said they were now searching for a shooter.
Witnesses at the scene told police the shooter appeared to have pulled a gun from a vehicle.
“There is some indication that they were driving in that area earlier in the evening,” Superintendent Joyce said of the white van in question.
“At this point we are informed that a person was in the vehicle that was seen driving from the scene. We are not sure if there was anyone else there, but that is part of our inquiries.”
The aftermath of the burned white van. (ABC News)
Eyewitnesses saw the shooting
Supt Joyce said identification was still underway for the male victim, although he was believed to be in his 30s.
“We believe he may have been out for a walk, but we have yet to confirm that…we believe he may [have been] Living in the area,” he said Wednesday evening.
“We believe it was a targeted attack.“
A crime scene has been established. (ABC News: Mario Conti)
Asked if the shooting had any potential links to organized crime, Supt Joyce said investigators were “exploring all options”.
“My heart goes out to this victim’s family and certainly to everyone who witnessed it – it would have been a horrible thing to witness.
“The police are putting a lot of resources into what’s happening right now,” he said, highlighting Taskforce Falcon’s efforts.
The task force was formed earlier this year to combat escalating underworld conflicts in Sydney.
Footage from the crime scene showed police cordoned off a residential street.
Officers were seen collecting evidence and taking photos of what appeared to be bullet casings.
