Sydney suburb locked down as police hunt man reportedly carrying shotgun
Police in Sydney, Australia, have locked down part of the inner-west suburb of Dulwich Hill while searching for a man reportedly armed with a shotgun, who allegedly set a stolen car on fire and fled on foot.
Police have locked down a large part of Dulwich Hill, a suburb in the inner west of Sydney, Australia's biggest city, on Friday 16 October. They are searching for a man reportedly carrying a shotgun who, police allege, set a stolen car alight and ran off on foot. The restrictions affect residents, businesses and schools.
How events unfolded
Officers were called to a car park on Williams Parade at about 10.20am after reports of a stolen vehicle. They were told a man with a longarm weapon was sitting inside it. He allegedly then set the car on fire and fled on foot.
A police helicopter and armed tactical officers are concentrating the search on the area around Williams Parade and Constitution Road.
Description of the man
Police Supt Despa Fitzgerald told reporters the public should not approach him, saying police understand he is armed with a shotgun. She said there was no indication that shots had been fired.
Police describe him as being of Caucasian appearance, in his 20s, about 160cm tall and thin, with shaggy hair. He was last seen on Union Street wearing a blue T-shirt and long black pants.
Restrictions in the area
No injuries have been reported. Police are doorknocking and telling residents to stay indoors. Light rail services in the area have been suspended, and nearby businesses, cafes and neighbouring primary schools have been put into lockdown. People outside the police exclusion zone are being advised to avoid the area.
The situation is ongoing and further details are expected.
