Police are searching for four “aggressive, dangerous” men after a reported armed home invasion sparked a massive operation in Sydney’s south-west.
Around 7am, police received reports that up to four people had stormed a home on Wollongbar Avenue in Panania, with witnesses saying that one was holding a gun.
“A dark sedan or possibly a station wagon had attended that street and parked out the front of one of the residences,” Bankstown Police Area Commander, Superintendent Rodney Hart, said.
“Four males, described as all wearing dark clothing with their faces covered, and one possibly being armed with a firearm, exited that vehicle and approached that house.
“Here they kicked in the front door and entered the premises.”
A 52-year-old woman and a 24-year-old man were the only two occupants inside the home.
Police were told the 24-year-old was allegedly punched by the intruders, but did not require any medical treatment.
Shortly after, police reviewed CCTV footage and confirmed that the four people had fled the area.
It is believed that a large sum of cash was stolen by the men before fleeing the scene.
The investigation concluded at 11.30am, and police established a crime scene at the house.
“We were just taking the dog for a walk, and we walked past here. There were SWAT trucks, people with armed guns, big guns,” a witness said.
Aerial footage showed multiple emergency service vehicles, including multiple armoured police vehicles and tactical operations units, parked out front of the home.
A perimeter was established by Bankstown Police, with assistance from the Tactical Operations Unit, PolAir, Dog Unit, Traffic and Highway Patrol, Police Negotiators and Raptor Squad.
People inside a childcare centre on the street were told to stay indoors.
“My kids go to the daycare there in Wollongbar Avenue, so we got a notification that the daycare has been in lockdown,” a parent told 9News.
Hart said “at no time were any of the children or staff members in any danger”.
A large number of police resources are now searching for the four suspects, including a helicopter.
The occupants of the home are assisting police with the investigation.
Anybody with information is urged to contact police immediately.
