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More than 50 police officers, including specialist tactical units, have been deployed to Sydney’s Inner West following reports of a man armed with a sawn-off shotgun. Residents have been urged to remain indoors, a local school was placed into precautionary lockdown, and light rail services have been suspended. No injuries or arrests have been reported.
A major police operation has been launched in Dulwich Hill, in Sydney’s Inner West, following reports of an armed man allegedly threatening residents with a sawn-off shotgun before setting a suspected stolen vehicle on fire.
Emergency services were called to the intersection of Williams Parade and Constitution Road at approximately 10:20am on Friday, October 16, after receiving reports of a potentially armed individual and unconfirmed gunfire.
Police established a significant presence in the surrounding area as officers began searching for the suspect, who remained at large in the latest available reports.
More than 50 officers, including specialist units from the Public Order and Riot Squad, have been involved in the operation.
Authorities have urged residents to remain indoors and avoid the affected streets while investigations continue.
Suspected stolen vehicle set on fire
According to initial reports, the incident began when a man was confronted over a vehicle believed to have been stolen.
A local postal worker delivering parcels in Williams Parade told reporters he witnessed a disturbance involving a couple and a man in a car park.
The witness alleged that the man threatened the couple with a firearm before fleeing towards Arlington Reserve.
Police subsequently confirmed reports that the suspect had been armed inside a stolen vehicle, which was later set alight.
Fire and emergency crews attended the scene, while officers secured the surrounding streets.
Investigators are working to establish the precise circumstances of the confrontation, the vehicle theft and the subsequent fire.
Armed suspect remains at large
NSW Police have released a description of the man being sought.
He is described as being of Caucasian appearance, aged in his 20s, approximately 160 centimetres tall, with a thin build and shaggy hair.
He was last seen wearing a blue T-shirt and long black pants.
Authorities are searching nearby streets, reserves and surrounding residential areas.
Members of the public have been warned not to approach anyone matching the description and to contact police if they have relevant information.
Anyone who sees an immediate threat should call Triple Zero (000).
Reports of gunfire remain unconfirmed
One of the main questions facing investigators is whether shots were fired during the incident.
Initial emergency calls referred to possible gunfire, prompting a heightened police response.
However, some witnesses reported that they had not heard any shots.
Police are investigating those claims and have not confirmed that the weapon was discharged.
At the time of the latest available update, no injuries had been reported.
No arrests had been made.
More than 50 officers deployed
The scale of the response reflects the seriousness of reports involving a potentially armed suspect in a densely populated residential area.
Officers wearing protective equipment have been deployed, with specialist units supporting the search.
Police vehicles and emergency crews have been positioned around the affected streets, while aerial surveillance has reportedly been used to assist the operation.
Authorities have established operational boundaries to prevent members of the public from entering potentially dangerous areas.
Several businesses have temporarily closed or been evacuated as a precaution.
Dulwich Hill Public School placed into lockdown
The incident has also disrupted local schools.
Dulwich Hill Public School was placed into precautionary lockdown while police conducted their search nearby.
The measure was intended to protect students and staff by restricting movement during the active operation.
Parents and residents have been encouraged to follow official instructions rather than approach the affected area.
The lockdown was reported during the initial police response. Any subsequent changes to school arrangements would need to be confirmed by the school or authorities.
Light rail services suspended
Public transport has also been affected.
Light rail services between Dulwich Hill and Lilyfield were suspended as a result of the police operation.
The disruption has affected commuters travelling through Sydney’s Inner West, with passengers advised to check transport updates before starting their journeys.
Motorists have also been warned to expect delays and diversions near Williams Parade, Constitution Road and surrounding streets.
Several local businesses have been affected by the emergency response.
Residents urged to remain indoors
The police operation has caused concern among people living and working in Dulwich Hill.
Authorities have urged those in the immediate area to stay inside their homes and workplaces, avoid unnecessary travel and follow directions from officers.
Anyone with CCTV footage, dashcam recordings or information about the suspect’s movements is encouraged to contact police.
Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Investigation continues
Detectives are attempting to establish the suspect’s movements following the confrontation and determine whether the reported firearm was discharged.
Investigators are also examining the circumstances surrounding the allegedly stolen vehicle and the fire.
The man’s identity, the motive for the incident and his current whereabouts had not been confirmed in the latest information available.
The immediate priority for NSW Police is to locate the suspect and ensure the safety of residents, students and businesses in the surrounding area.
As of the reported 12:28pm update on Friday, October 16, no injuries or arrests had been confirmed, and the search was continuing.
This is a developing story. Further updates will follow as new information becomes available.
