Urgent manhunt underway after two shootings and house inferno in south-west Sydney police suspect are linked
A major police manhunt is underway after two men were shot in a suspected ‘targeted attack’ in Sydney’s south-west on Saturday morning.
A 29-year-old man from Oran Park was found with gunshot wounds to his head and right shoulder at Highfield Park near Claymore at around 9.30am. Police and ambulance crews rushed to the scene.
Shortly before, the police had also gone to a nearby store because of a report that a man had been shot in the shoulder. The police then went looking for help.
Both men were treated by ambulance personnel and rushed to Liverpool Hospital.
The 29-year-old man underwent surgery on Saturday afternoon and was in critical condition fighting for his life.
The other victim, a 31-year-old man from Minto, was in stable condition Saturday afternoon and was being examined.
Police now say they are looking for two men of Pacific Islander or Maori appearance who were seen in the park at the same time.
Police are also investigating possible links to another incident in Minto on Friday night, where a house was set on fire.
A 29-year-old man from Oran Park was found with gunshot wounds to his head and right shoulder at Highfield Park in Claymore at around 9.30am. Police and paramedics rushed to the scene.
Police are investigating whether a house fire in Minto (pictured) is related to the shooting
The porch of the building was on fire and when a 59-year-old man went to investigate, he was attacked with a metal bar, police said.
The living room at the front of the house was damaged when it caught fire. NSW Fire and Rescue crews were working to extinguish the fire.
The 59-year-old man was treated by ambulance personnel and taken to hospital in stable condition.
Police are appealing for witnesses, particularly those who were at Highfield Park reserve between 9am and 10am.
“This type of senseless violence has serious consequences and it is not just about the safety of those involved, but also the safety of the community,” said Detective Chief Inspector Grant Healey.
“At 9:30 in the morning in a park in a residential area, this reckless disregard for everyone’s safety. We will conduct a thorough investigation and bring these people to justice.”
Police have not yet spoken to the two victims and are investigating possible motives.
“This is a targeted attack. It’s about people deliberately going after other people,” Detective Chief Inspector Healey said.
Police said the shootings were deliberate and targeted attacks
Those responsible have not yet been arrested, which has led to a major manhunt