Inner west lockdown lifted in police hunt for man armed with shotgun

Police locked down part of Dulwich Hill in Sydney’s inner west as they hunted a man armed with a shotgun who allegedly threatened to shoot three people during a dispute over a stolen van.

Heavily armed tactical police, along with a police helicopter and general duties officers, swarmed the area near Williams Parade and Constitution Road about 10.20am on Friday after the man allegedly set fire to the van, stolen from a neighbouring suburb this week, before fleeing on foot with a sawn-off shotgun, according to witnesses.

Police received reports of gunshots shortly after the altercation, though officers have since confirmed no shots were fired at the scene.

An image has been released of a man police believe may be able to assist with investigations. He is described as about 160cm tall, thin, with shaggy hair, and was last seen wearing a black hooded jersey and long black pants.

He evaded authorities via Union Street, his last known location, and remains at large.

Firefighters extinguished the blaze and no injuries have been reported.

Nearby businesses and cafes were put into lockdown, along with Dulwich Hill Public School and Summer Hill Public School, as officers hunted the allegedly armed man.

Parents have since been told it would be business as usual for the end-of-day pick-up after schools spent several hours in lockdown.

“We have been advised that all schools can now be released from lock-out,” Dulwich Hill Public School and Summer Hill Public School said in emails to parents just after 2.45pm.

“Students and teachers can leave school site as usual.”

Some apartments on Williams Parade were also locked down, requiring police to escort residents to their homes.

Inner West Police Area Commander Despa Fitzgerald urged Dulwich Hill residents to call Triple Zero if they saw the man as police combed the streets for signs of the alleged offender.

“Do not approach this person – we understand he’s armed with a shotgun,” Fitzgerald said.

Investigators have also appealed for dashcam or other footage that may be relevant, requesting people upload the vision to police.

A heavy police presence is expected to remain in Dulwich Hill on Friday afternoon.

Locals have been urged to remain inside while those travelling through Dulwich Hill have been redirected from the area.

No injuries have been reported, nor have any arrests been made. Light rail services between Dulwich Hill and Lilyfield were stopped for several hours but have resumed normal service.

Meanwhile, bullets were sprayed at a house in Sydney’s south-west at 12.35am on Friday which was occupied by two men, aged 21 and 23, and a 59-year-old woman.

Police responded to the house on Willis Street, Lansvale, before stopping a grey sedan at nearby Hollywood Drive. Officers allegedly found a balaclava and firearm in the car shortly after the drive-by shooting, before arresting its occupants – two males, 17 and 18, and a 17-year-old girl.

The trio were arrested and taken to Cabramatta police station, where they faced police questioning. No charges have been laid. The occupants of the targeted house were uninjured.

Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.