A police operation is underway in Sydney’s inner west after reports of a man armed with a shotgun, with the lockdown now lifted.
Police established a crime scene near Williams Parade in Dulwich Hill on Friday morning after officers were called to a car park about 10.20am following reports of a stolen vehicle.
Officers were told a man was carrying a firearm inside the allegedly stolen vehicle before he set it alight.
Superintendent Despa Fitzgerald said police believed the man was armed with a shotgun, but confirmed no shots had been fired at the scene, despite earlier reports of gunfire.
Three witnesses reported the weapon to police and said they had been threatened as they tried to leave the area, Superintendent Fitzgerald said.
The vehicle was a van reported stolen from the inner west a couple of days earlier.
It had been spotted by members of the public shortly before the incident.
The man has been described as being of Caucasian appearance, in his 20s, about 160cm tall and of thin build, with shaggy hair.
He was last seen wearing a blue T-shirt and long black pants.
An extensive search involving a helicopter, tactical police, general duty officers and the police dog squad had failed to locate the man, Superintendent Fitzgerald said.
A police perimeter remained in place as specialist officers continued the search.
9News reported that a local postman heard a “commotion” in a car park where a couple were arguing with a man over an allegedly stolen car.
The couple reportedly told the postman that the man had threatened them with a shotgun before the vehicle was set alight.
Fire and Rescue NSW attended and extinguished the blaze.
No injuries have been reported.
Local businesses and cafes were placed into lockdown as officers searched the suburb.
Dulwich Hill Public School was also placed into lockdown.
Some residents were escorted back to their homes as police maintained the perimeter.
Light rail services between Dulwich Hill and Lilyfield were suspended but have since resumed.
Read related topics:Sydney Crime