The killers who fatally shot an underworld figure on a suburban street managed to lure him out by posing as police before he was gunned down in a hail of bullets.
Hawre Sherwani, 33, was apprehended by the group of executioners on Heyson Parkway, Caroline Springs, in Melbourne’s northwest, about 10.30pm on Thursday.
The group used flashing lights and sirens to deceive Sherwani, who was reportedly driving a white Volkswagen hatchback, before he was shot during the ambush.
Sherwani, who had links to the Comanchero motorcycle gang, suffered serious injuries before being rushed to hospital where he later died. The gunmen remain on the run.
Police revealed that Sherwani was known to police and that the shooting was a targeted attack.
Photos showed the crime scene littered with bullet casings over a wide area as detectives and forensic investigators examined the scene Friday morning.
Police also found a dark-coloured Volkswagen Tiguan on fire on Beattys Road, in Fraser Rise, on Thursday.
Officers believe the vehicle is linked to the shooting and was stolen from a home in Clyde North, in Melbourne’s south-east, in November last year.
Hawre Sherwani, 33 years old from Melbourne (photo) was shot in a hail of bullets by a group of executioners in Melbourne’s northwest on Thursday evening
Photos showed the crime scene (pictured) littered with bullet casings over a wide area as detectives examined the crime scene Friday morning
Detective Constable Janet Stevenson said there are fears the latest killing could trigger further retaliation by the gangs.
“We are concerned because this has been going on for a while so we have a lot of concerns about that,” Supt Stevenson said.
“It is brazen, irresponsible and yet very targeted, but very worrying for the people in this neighborhood.”
Police assume that at least one perpetrator was injured in the shooting.
“We urge them to seek medical attention and it is very important that they do so as these could be quite serious injuries,” Supt Stevenson said.
Imagery obtained by the Herald Sun showed two bystanders helping Sherwani in the middle of the road.
Sherwani reportedly told the people who came to his aid that he had “been shot” and asked them to call an ambulance.
A resident James, who was assisting Sherwani along with his wife and two children, said he heard about six gunshots.
Police said there are fears the latest killing could spark further reprisals from gang members as officers continue to investigate the shooting
“The victim came to me and then I put him in the safety position and then my wife and two young boys came in,” he said 3AW.
“He was going back and forth (unconscious) and we were just trying to keep him alive.
“There was one shot under (his) ribs and there was a little bit of bleeding.”
Several residents, who did not want to be named, say that the street is usually quiet.
It was not previously the location of any criminal activity.
A man said the victim had knocked on the doors of several homes asking for help from neighbors who were trying to administer first aid.
It is believed Sherwani was an associate of 27-year-old Robert Issa, who was shot dead outside a busy shopping center in Craigieburn, Melbourne’s north, in October 2023.
Police also revealed that they are investigating whether Sherwani’s death was linked to a separate incident in which he was attacked with firearms.
Several residents in the area said the street was generally quiet and had not previously been a place of criminal activity
The incident occurred at Fraser Rise on March 20, 2024.
A Victoria Police spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia that homicide detectives are currently reviewing CCTV footage as part of the investigation into the fatal shooting.
“The exact circumstances leading to the shooting are still being determined and the investigation is ongoing,” the spokesperson said.
Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.