Crime scenes have been established across Sydney’s west after a series of shootings and multiple car fires overnight, putting the lives of “innocent” residents at risk. The incidents unfolded late Wednesday night and early Thursday morning, prompting a thorough investigation by New South Wales (NSW) police.
A man and woman in their 20s narrowly escaped injury when shots were fired at their home on Margaret Street in Fairfield just after 11 p.m. Police reported that a dark-coloured SUV was seen fleeing the scene. Shortly thereafter, officers were called to Aberdeen Street in Bossley Park at approximately 11:55 p.m. following reports of a shooting at a public place. A single shot had been fired at a caravan parked on the street before a white Audi sedan was seen leaving, with no injuries reported.
String of Shootings and Car Fires
Just before 3 a.m. on Thursday, multiple shots were fired at a business on McIlwraith Street in Wetherill Park. Similar to the Fairfield incident, a black SUV or utility vehicle was spotted leaving the scene. Police are investigating whether a similar-looking dark vehicle found ablaze at Kings Langley shortly after 3 a.m. is connected to the Fairfield and Wetherill Park shootings. Another vehicle was also discovered on fire at Lalor Park in Sydney’s west, and investigations into the circumstances surrounding a burnt-out white Lexus hatchback have commenced.
The NSW Police are working to determine if these incidents are linked, given the similar patterns observed at each location.
Impact on Local Residents
Fairfield City Police Area Commander Superintendent Craig Middleton expressed concerns about the impact on residents. Speaking to ABC Radio Sydney, he noted that many affected residents were not known to police, which he described as “concerning.” He highlighted the shooting at Bossley Park as particularly troubling, involving an 80-year-old couple with no known links to criminal activities.
“The one at Bossley Park was probably of most concern. That’s an 80-year-old couple that has probably lived there their entire life, and they have no links to us whatsoever,” Superintendent Middleton said.
While no physical injuries were reported, Superintendent Middleton emphasized the psychological toll on residents, describing them as “highly traumatised.”
“They’re putting the lives of these innocent people at risk,” he said of those responsible for the shootings. “We’re all aware of the impact this has on the community, so we throw everything at it and we’re working through it as much as we can.”
Ongoing Investigations and Community Concerns
During a press briefing on Thursday morning, Superintendent Middleton mentioned that police are investigating reports of a fight at one of the homes last week, which may be related to the recent shootings.
“We certainly are aware that there was an incident at the premises about a week ago where there was some kind of an affray, or a fight, between a number of parties,” he said. “My officers have been working on that as an investigation, and we’re still looking at that, whether that is linked to what occurred last night.”
Local residents, like Bossley Park homeowner Patricio, are grappling with the aftermath. Patricio recounted the chilling moment he heard gunfire on his street, describing it as “like a big bang like a shot.” The incident left visible bullet holes in his caravan, and his wife was unable to sleep following the ordeal.
Looking Ahead
The recent spate of violence in Sydney’s west underscores the challenges faced by law enforcement in maintaining public safety amid rising crime. As investigations continue, the NSW Police are urging anyone with information to come forward to aid in their efforts to solve these crimes and prevent further incidents.
The community remains on edge, hoping for swift action and reassurance that their neighborhoods will be safe from such threats in the future. As Superintendent Middleton and his team work tirelessly to connect the dots, the focus remains on restoring peace and security to the affected areas.
