An inner-Sydney suburb has been locked down after residents reported gunfire, as schoolchildren were allegedly told to hide under their desks, transport was halted and locals were ordered to stay inside.
Emergency services were called to a carpark on Williams Parade, Dulwich Hill, following reports of a stolen vehicle.
On arrival, officers were told a man inside the reported stolen vehicle was armed with a firearm and set the vehicle alight.
‘He then left the area on foot and was last seen on Union Street,’ police said.
Businesses and cafes in the area were placed into lockdown, as was Dulwich Hill Public School, where locals said children hid under their desks.
Police have launched a manhunt for the suspect.
Witnesses told 9News the suspect was reportedly armed with a sawn-off shotgun, with some claiming they had seen an altercation involving a group before the blaze.
Firefighters have attended the scene and extinguished the fire, and no injuries have been reported.
Parts of Dulwich Hill, in Sydney’s inner west, are in lockdown after reports of an armed man
Heavily armed officers and tactical police, along with police helicopters, were called to the area near Williams Parade and Constitution Road on Friday morning
A manhunt is underway for a suspect believed to be armed with a sawn-off shotgun
Police have established a crime scene, closing local roads and telling motorists to avoid the area.
Light rail services between Dulwich Hill and Lilyfield have also been stopped.
Tactical officers, including heavily armed specialists, could be seen in the area, along with helicopters.
Police said the man is described as being of Caucasian appearance, aged in his 20s, about 160cm tall with a thin build and shaggy hair.
He was last seen wearing a blue T-shirt and long black pants.
As inquiries continue, anyone with information is urged to contact Inner West Police Area Command or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
More to come.
