Sydney's Dulwich Hill locked down as police search for man with shotgun
Officers were called to a car park on Williams Parade over a reported stolen vehicle; police allege the man set the car alight and threatened three witnesses before fleeing on foot.
At a glance
- Police locked down part of Sydney's Dulwich Hill on Friday while searching for a man reportedly carrying a shotgun.
- The man allegedly set a stolen car alight on Williams Parade and threatened three witnesses before fleeing on foot.
- Dulwich Hill and Summer Hill public schools were locked out, light rail was suspended and residents were told to stay inside.
Police have locked down a large part of Dulwich Hill, in Sydney's inner west, as they search for a man reportedly armed with a shotgun who allegedly set a stolen car alight before threatening witnesses and fleeing on foot.
Officers were called to a car park on Williams Parade at about 10.20am on Friday in response to reports of a stolen vehicle. Police were told a man carrying a longarm weapon was sitting inside the car. It is alleged he then set the vehicle on fire and ran off.
Three witnesses told police the man threatened them with the weapon. No injuries have been reported.
A police helicopter and armed tactical officers focused the search on the area around Williams Parade and Constitution Road. Police doorknocked the neighbourhood, telling residents to stay inside.
Police warn public not to approach
Superintendent Despa Fitzgerald told reporters: "Do not approach this person – we understand he's armed with a shotgun." She said there was no indication that any shots had been fired.
Police described the man as being of Caucasian appearance, aged in his 20s, about 160cm tall and of thin build, with shaggy hair. He was last seen on Union Street wearing a blue T-shirt and long black pants.
Schools, light rail and businesses affected
Nearby primary schools, Dulwich Hill public school and Summer Hill public school, were placed on lockout. Canterbury Girls High School, which was hosting HSC exams on Friday, was also put into lockout mode, with restrictions on people entering and leaving the school.
Light rail services in the area were suspended, and nearby businesses and cafes were asked to close their doors.
People outside the police exclusion zone were advised to avoid the area.
Source: The Guardian World.
Questions and answers
- What is happening in Dulwich Hill, Sydney?
- Police have locked down a large part of the suburb while searching for a man reportedly armed with a shotgun, who allegedly set a stolen car alight and threatened three witnesses before fleeing on foot.
- What does the suspect look like?
- Police describe him as being of Caucasian appearance, aged in his 20s, about 160cm tall with a thin build and shaggy hair. He was last seen on Union Street wearing a blue T-shirt and long black pants.
- Were any schools or transport services affected?
- Dulwich Hill and Summer Hill public schools were placed on lockout, as was Canterbury Girls High School during HSC exams. Light rail services were suspended and nearby businesses were asked to close.
