Latest news with #PeterThurtell
News.com.au
4 days ago
- Politics
- News.com.au
Surprising candidate in running for top police job
It's crunch time for the six candidates vying for a role many consider a 'poisoned chalice' – the NSW Police Commissioner. Interviews wrapped up this week and time will soon tell whether Premier Chris Minns has opted for a 'clean skin, dependable safe bet' to calm the storm after the force's turbulent recent history. In the running are hot favourite Mal Lanyon, as well as the current acting commissioner Peter Thurtell, Deputy Commissioner Paul Pisanos, former deputy Mick Willing and two assistant commissioners Peter Cotter and wildcard Rod Smith. The role has brought with it in recent years intense public scrutiny and relentless media attention, and the ever-present threat of misconduct scandals or mishandled critical incidents have created a perception that the job is exceptionally difficult and carries considerable reputational risk. Insiders have told the very dependable and well respected Mr Thurtell has excelled in the role since he took over from the state's first female Commissioner Karen Webb, and Mr Minns would be 'wise' to let him continue to 'steady the ship'. 'Thurtell has got a taste of the top job and knows he can do it,' one senior-placed NSW police officer said. 'Nothing negative has happened under his watch. Every major incident he has taken the lead, not waited or passed it on. 'If there is a critical incident the region commander has to take control but anything he should be in the public eye for, he has been and he's smashed it.' Mr Thurtell has appeared on television as part of a panel discussion on domestic violence and appeared in press conferences when issues arise. He's impressed the troops on the ground with his humble approach. 'He's been a region commander, he's got his battle scars, he has had everything thrown at him and he comes out with flying colours. You can't put him on the hop, if you try to trip him up you can't. 'And what's important is that those who know him absolutely trust him.' While Mr Thurtell might be popular among the troops, most believe Mr Lanyon is the Premier's favourite and a 'shoe in' for the job. 'He's been biding his time, networking with politicians and he's ready for his comeback,' one source said. Mr Lanyon has a long career in the police force, including heading the state crime command, and has been involved in disaster response and recovery, including leading flood recovery efforts in the Northern Rivers region in 2022. He missed out on the top job last time round – many say because of a night in February 2021 where he was found intoxicated, laying on the ground in Gouldburn by ambulance officers who later described him as argumentative and agitated. Mr Lanyon acknowledged his behaviour and sought to apologise personally. While he was publicly hauled over the coals for the incident he has since found new support in politicians and police alike, with many still saying 'he's the best one for the job'. 'You'd think the government might be worried though about the Merino incident coming up over and over again. The force has copped so much bad publicity, but a lot of cops think Mal knows what he's doing, is the most qualified, most media savvy and the best one for the job so I most think the Premier will back him and hope people have short memories.' Mr Lanyon will again go head to head with former sparring partner and fellow deputy Mr Willing. Both lost out to Ms Webb when Premier Dom Perrotet appointed her the state's first female commissioner. Mr Willing says he is an even better candidate today than he was three years ago, and believes he is the best fit to refocus the culture of the NSW Police Force. After being sacked by Ms Webb shortly after she took office, Mr Willing fought his own demons thanks to the sudden loss of identity but found a new purpose as head of Fortem Australia, a non-for-profit organisation devoted to helping first responders and their families. Police welfare is likely to be his key platform. Attracting fewer headlines than the other deputies is Mr Pisanos, best known for his work in regional youth crime. He's travelled the state building rapport with troops on the ground in remote country towns, community elders and kids themselves. He's passionate about steering them away from a life of crime and into the dozen of diversional programs, trying to give them hope of a better future – while talking tough and vowing to lock up the ones who won't cop the tip. 'Pisanos is a straight shooting kind of cop who shouldn't be underestimated,' one colleague said. 'He's a hard worker and commits to whatever he is tasked. 'History will show the favourites in the past haven't taken out the prize so he shouldn't be written-off. Webb certainly wasn't the favourite, nor was Fuller.' In the contest to become commissioner, history indicates that the frontrunner isn't always guaranteed success. Ken Moroney, Andrew Scipione, and Mick Fuller all ascended over more favoured deputy commissioners. Ms Webb was no exception. And lesser known assistant commissioners should not be written off. Mr Cotter, now head of Professional Standards, was left to face the media in 2023 after the tasering of 95-year-old grandmother Clare Nowland. Police were heavily criticised for not mentioning the 'taser' in initial media releases. Mr Cotter was the one to confirm to journalists that Ms Nowland had a serrated steak knife in a small treatment room when she moved slowly towards officers and was tasered. 'She had a walking frame but she had a knife,' he said. Mr Cotter also acted as in the position of Commissioner of the NSW Crime Commission in 2018 and was southern region commander as well as having worked in homicide investigations and is known for his work in victims' services. Mr Smith is the former principal of Goulburn Police Academy and heads the State Intelligence Command. His quest for the top job has surprised many. He joined the NSW Police Force in 1989, enjoying a successful and diverse career for over 30 years. 'We're a very professional organisation where we recognise professional qualifications, experience and knowledge,' Assistant Commissioner Smith told Police Insight in 2022. 'How you present yourself, your experience, and your qualifications goes a long way in being able to convey yourself and our organisation as a professional one.' Whoever takes the top job can expect to be thrust into the media spotlight instantaneously and how they convey themselves will be paramount to their success in one of the most challenging roles in the country. While Ms Webb's representatives claim her resignation was voluntary, numerous police sources suggest the government actively encouraged her departure due to leaks, persistent media criticism, and concerns about her public performance. Her supporters say she never stood a chance, with her detractors, including Mr Lanyon and Mr Willing working against her from day one. 'Whoever gets the job they can expect to be watched closely from day one and if they misstep it won't go unnoticed,' an officer said. What's not lost on the rank and file is the fact there is not a female candidate in sight. 'Wether Karen Webb copped it worse because she is a woman, I guess the record books will show, that's not for me to say, but you can be guaranteed of one thing, no woman will put their hand up any time soon nor will they be considered any time soon,' a senior female officer said. 'I would suggest the powers that be will pick someone who fits the profile of an old school blokey cop. Someone they feel oozes confidence and authority so the public and the media will be on board from day one. 'Whether that's a good thing or a bad thing, I guess time will tell. We will have to watch this space.'
News.com.au
05-07-2025
- News.com.au
NSW Police Commissioner condemns ‘sickening' attack on female police officers
A probationary constable was punched and knocked unconscious and her partner was also assaulted when the two police officers rushed to help a man who was lying on a road in Sydney's west. Other police rushed to their aid after the alleged assault in Bidwill around 6.30pm. They found the 23-year-old female officer unresponsive on Bunya Rd, near Daniels Rd and her partner, a 22-year-old also injured. Both officers had allegedly been punched. Acting NSW Police Commissioner Peter Thurtell described the attack as 'appalling', saying assaulting a police officer is 'completely not on'. The women attended to the man who got to his feet and allegedly became aggressive in an 'unprovoked attack', police allege. 'This is a sickening attack and those officers were just doing their job,' Mr Thurtell said 'Incidents like these clearly demonstrate the bravery and courage of officers who are just doing their best to protect the community. 'Police officers put themselves on the frontline and in danger every single day, they deserve respect not violence.' Both officers, who are attached to Mr Druitt Police Area Command, remain in hospital. A 19-year-old man was arrested at the scene and taken to Mt Druitt Police Station, before being transferred to Nepean Hospital. A crime scene has been established and investigations are ongoing. Police are urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
News.com.au
18-06-2025
- News.com.au
Alleged Sydney teen subjected to six-hour gang rape ordeal
*Content warning: This article may contain details readers could find distressing* NSW detectives used covert strategies to gather evidence against two teens they allege were involved in the vicious gang rape of a Sydney teen. The 17-year-old alleged victim of a horrific, six-hours-long gang rape was doing what any teenage girl might do in the lead-up to Christmas. It was a Sunday afternoon in December last year and she was shopping at Westfield Liverpool — one of the biggest shopping centres in Sydney's southwest and one that would've been buzzing with shoppers. Acting police commissioner Peter Thurtell told that covert strategies to identify the roles of each alleged offender were put in place, 'both physical and electronic surveillance was used extensively'. 'The moment officers knew they could throw the book at them, arrests were made,' Mr Thurtell said. 'If there is anyone who is a champion of public and community safety in this regard it is the head of the Sex Crimes Squad Detective Superintendent Jane Dougherty and her team.' Mr Thurtell said the 'horrific crime of this nature' drives our investigators to be meticulous in gathering evidence in order to get an 'irrefutable conviction'. 'Our thoughts are with the victim and her family who will undoubtedly have to live with this sickening attack for the rest of their lives. Detectives have worked tirelessly and done an outstanding job bringing these people before the courts.' About 5.30pm, she was approached by a 16-year-old boy who was 'charismatic' and began a 'friendly conversation' with her that 'wasn't about having sex', police say. 'He was a charismatic young man talking to a young girl of similar age. There wasn't any idea at that point ... of where this was going to end up,' Superintendent Jayne Doherty told reporters on Tuesday. The young girl did not know him, but police allege she 'reluctantly' allowed him into her car. The pair drove eight minutes west to quiet Wheat Park in Sadlier, a local soccer pitch surrounded by suburban homes on all sides. Supt Doherty said the teen 'agreed to sit and talk' but drove to the park 'feeling that was the only way to get him out of the car'. Once there, police say, her life was changed forever. The 16-year-old boy, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, is accused of raping the teen in her vehicle, filming certain parts of the rape and making a video call to his friends. Police claim her ordeal was not over there. They say two more teenage boys got into the car and allegedly sexually assaulted the girl. They were allegedly soon joined by a fourth man who arrived in another car. The four teens — one of whom is aged just 14 — allegedly took control of the girl's car and raped her during a twisted and 'erratic' joyride. '(The group allegedly) took control of the vehicle and drove her in her own car around the suburbs of Sadleir and Miller,' Supt Doherty said. 'They (allegedly) drove rather erratically throughout the time and continued to degrade and assault this victim as they were driving around.' Police allege that during this time, the group of males 'acted together' and created 'fear on the victim', 'degrading her while the others offended against her'. 'At times, there was (allegedly) more than one person offending against this poor girl,' Supt Doherty said. The entire ordeal lasted six hours, ending long after dark about 11.30pm. Once free, the 'very distraught' teenage girl contacted a friend and reported what had happened to police. The four teenage boys have been charged with the sexual assault. They are aged 14, 16, 18 and 19. The 16-year-old boy was arrested at Condell Park five days after the alleged rape last year. He was charged with 24 offences including nine charges of sexual intercourse without consent, eight charges of aggravated sex assault-offender in company with other person/s, two of aggravated sexual assault in company and inflict actual bodily harm, and five of sexually touch another person without consent. Detectives also arrested a 14-year-old boy the same day. He was charged with 10 offences including seven counts of aggravated sex assault-offender in company with other person/s, aggravated sexual assault in company and inflict actual bodily harm, aggravated sexually touch another person, and sexually touch another person without consent. The 18-year-old and 19-year-old alleged offenders were arrested on Tuesday morning. Dramatic police footage captured the dawn arrest of the eldest of the alleged group, Adam Abdul-Hamid, in Heckenberg. The teen was taken to Liverpool Police Station and charged with five counts of aggravated sex assault-offender in company with other persons. The two younger alleged offenders were refused bail and appeared before a children's court in December last year. Detectives continued to investigate the incident and, after extensive inquiries, searched homes at Sadleir and Heckenberg this week. A neighbour told Mr Abdul-Karim moved the family home nine years ago. She said that her son, who is a similar age, played with Mr Abdul-Karim growing up. 'Then they both got older and the parents basically told him to stop coming over,' she said. She said Mr Abdul-Karim was into motorcycles and a big family who lived in the home. 'We've just tried to keep our distance mostly in recent years, but he's always said hello to us,' she said. Arrest footage showed the man's family members swarming the police and shouting as he was ushered out of the house. 'What have you done to him?' one screamed as police walked through the front yard. A woman could also be heard shouting: 'Shut your mouth, don't say a word' in Arabic. Police and community react to alleged gang rape 'The (alleged) victim in this case did nothing wrong. It beggars belief that in this day and age that men would (allegedly) think to act this way towards a girl,' Supt Doherty said. 'And to (allegedly) act not just instantaneously, but over a six-hour period, continuing to act together and encourage each other and degrade the victim in the way that they did. 'That type of thinking in any person is just unbelievable and unacceptable to any standards.' She said the young age of the alleged offenders was 'concerning' and described the alleged assault as 'predetermined'. 'It beggars belief that someone as young as 14 could (allegedly) have these beliefs and actions,' she said. 'They've (allegedly) gone over six hours — they haven't stopped at a point during that six hours and said, this is wrong, to any of their co-offenders.' So brutal was the alleged offending, that seasoned investigators were left 'shocked', Supt Doherty said. 'It's horrific,' she said. NSW Premier, Chris Minns said: 'This is an unimaginable ordeal for this young woman, the allegations are just abhorrent. Those responsible must face the full force of the law.' 'I commend the bravery of the young woman who came forward and the tireless work of NSW Police in bringing these alleged offenders into custody. 'To that end, there is nothing more important here than getting justice for this young woman.'
The Advertiser
16-06-2025
- The Advertiser
City shaken after three wounded in daylight shooting
A "shockingly brazen" daylight shooting on a busy Sydney shopping strip has left three people wounded and shaken the city's sense of safety, authorities concede. In the latest gangland shooting to rock Sydney, two masked gunmen entered a kebab shop in the western suburb of Auburn just after 1pm on Monday and fired eight shots. One man, 26, was hit in the arm and shoulder, another yet-to-be-identified male was shot in the face and an innocent bystander - a 50-year-old female shop employee - suffered two torso wounds. The victims remained in Westmead Hospital on Monday night. The gunmen tried to enter an office at the back of the shop before fleeing in a black BMW with cloned registration plates, Acting NSW Police Commissioner Peter Thurtell said. "It is beyond comprehension that three people were shot in a crowded Sydney street in broad daylight, and the resources of the NSW police have already been deployed," Commander Thurtell said. "This is an emerging criminal investigation. We are throwing all our possible resources at it." The 26-year-old victim was believed to be the subject of two previous attempts on his life, police said. The man had reported to police on bail an hour before the shooting. While declining to identify him by name, Commander Thurtell referred to news reports identifying Alameddine crime family associate Samimjan Azari as the target of the attack. He has reportedly survived shootings at Granville and Brighton-Le-Sands. In the wake of Monday's shooting, which took place during Auburn's busy lunch hour, a crime scene was set up and roads were closed in the area for several hours. Police Minister Yasmin Catley said some of the best detectives in Australia would work the case as part of Taskforce Falcon, set up in late-May following a series of shootings between warring criminal gangs. About 100 detectives have joined another 50 officers in the mega task force set up to curb gun violence in the city after eight public shootings in six weeks. "My message to anyone out there going to be doing these place-based shootings on our streets - the police will get you and they will lock you up for a very long time, as they should," Ms Catley said. "It is one thing for criminals to be shooting each other but when innocent people get caught up in this, it is absolutely abhorrent." She said her thoughts were with the people injured in Monday's violence, which had "no place in our community". "It's horrifying, it's unacceptable and it shakes the sense of safety we all deserve." Premier Chris Minns described the shooting as "shockingly brazen" and said "NSW Police Force investigators are already hunting down those responsible". "People committing this kind of violence can expect to be arrested, charged, and to spend years inside small jail cells," Mr Minns said. Opposition Leader Mark Speakman urged action to prevent such shootings from becoming the "new normal". "Every community in NSW deserves to feel safe, and we need to come down hard on the criminals who think they can run the show," Mr Speakman told AAP. In the most shocking recent public shooting, innocent plumber John Versace was executed in his driveway in a case of mistaken identity. Police are still searching for the men behind the 23-year-old's murder on May 19. A "shockingly brazen" daylight shooting on a busy Sydney shopping strip has left three people wounded and shaken the city's sense of safety, authorities concede. In the latest gangland shooting to rock Sydney, two masked gunmen entered a kebab shop in the western suburb of Auburn just after 1pm on Monday and fired eight shots. One man, 26, was hit in the arm and shoulder, another yet-to-be-identified male was shot in the face and an innocent bystander - a 50-year-old female shop employee - suffered two torso wounds. The victims remained in Westmead Hospital on Monday night. The gunmen tried to enter an office at the back of the shop before fleeing in a black BMW with cloned registration plates, Acting NSW Police Commissioner Peter Thurtell said. "It is beyond comprehension that three people were shot in a crowded Sydney street in broad daylight, and the resources of the NSW police have already been deployed," Commander Thurtell said. "This is an emerging criminal investigation. We are throwing all our possible resources at it." The 26-year-old victim was believed to be the subject of two previous attempts on his life, police said. The man had reported to police on bail an hour before the shooting. While declining to identify him by name, Commander Thurtell referred to news reports identifying Alameddine crime family associate Samimjan Azari as the target of the attack. He has reportedly survived shootings at Granville and Brighton-Le-Sands. In the wake of Monday's shooting, which took place during Auburn's busy lunch hour, a crime scene was set up and roads were closed in the area for several hours. Police Minister Yasmin Catley said some of the best detectives in Australia would work the case as part of Taskforce Falcon, set up in late-May following a series of shootings between warring criminal gangs. About 100 detectives have joined another 50 officers in the mega task force set up to curb gun violence in the city after eight public shootings in six weeks. "My message to anyone out there going to be doing these place-based shootings on our streets - the police will get you and they will lock you up for a very long time, as they should," Ms Catley said. "It is one thing for criminals to be shooting each other but when innocent people get caught up in this, it is absolutely abhorrent." She said her thoughts were with the people injured in Monday's violence, which had "no place in our community". "It's horrifying, it's unacceptable and it shakes the sense of safety we all deserve." Premier Chris Minns described the shooting as "shockingly brazen" and said "NSW Police Force investigators are already hunting down those responsible". "People committing this kind of violence can expect to be arrested, charged, and to spend years inside small jail cells," Mr Minns said. Opposition Leader Mark Speakman urged action to prevent such shootings from becoming the "new normal". "Every community in NSW deserves to feel safe, and we need to come down hard on the criminals who think they can run the show," Mr Speakman told AAP. In the most shocking recent public shooting, innocent plumber John Versace was executed in his driveway in a case of mistaken identity. Police are still searching for the men behind the 23-year-old's murder on May 19. A "shockingly brazen" daylight shooting on a busy Sydney shopping strip has left three people wounded and shaken the city's sense of safety, authorities concede. In the latest gangland shooting to rock Sydney, two masked gunmen entered a kebab shop in the western suburb of Auburn just after 1pm on Monday and fired eight shots. One man, 26, was hit in the arm and shoulder, another yet-to-be-identified male was shot in the face and an innocent bystander - a 50-year-old female shop employee - suffered two torso wounds. The victims remained in Westmead Hospital on Monday night. The gunmen tried to enter an office at the back of the shop before fleeing in a black BMW with cloned registration plates, Acting NSW Police Commissioner Peter Thurtell said. "It is beyond comprehension that three people were shot in a crowded Sydney street in broad daylight, and the resources of the NSW police have already been deployed," Commander Thurtell said. "This is an emerging criminal investigation. We are throwing all our possible resources at it." The 26-year-old victim was believed to be the subject of two previous attempts on his life, police said. The man had reported to police on bail an hour before the shooting. While declining to identify him by name, Commander Thurtell referred to news reports identifying Alameddine crime family associate Samimjan Azari as the target of the attack. He has reportedly survived shootings at Granville and Brighton-Le-Sands. In the wake of Monday's shooting, which took place during Auburn's busy lunch hour, a crime scene was set up and roads were closed in the area for several hours. Police Minister Yasmin Catley said some of the best detectives in Australia would work the case as part of Taskforce Falcon, set up in late-May following a series of shootings between warring criminal gangs. About 100 detectives have joined another 50 officers in the mega task force set up to curb gun violence in the city after eight public shootings in six weeks. "My message to anyone out there going to be doing these place-based shootings on our streets - the police will get you and they will lock you up for a very long time, as they should," Ms Catley said. "It is one thing for criminals to be shooting each other but when innocent people get caught up in this, it is absolutely abhorrent." She said her thoughts were with the people injured in Monday's violence, which had "no place in our community". "It's horrifying, it's unacceptable and it shakes the sense of safety we all deserve." Premier Chris Minns described the shooting as "shockingly brazen" and said "NSW Police Force investigators are already hunting down those responsible". "People committing this kind of violence can expect to be arrested, charged, and to spend years inside small jail cells," Mr Minns said. Opposition Leader Mark Speakman urged action to prevent such shootings from becoming the "new normal". "Every community in NSW deserves to feel safe, and we need to come down hard on the criminals who think they can run the show," Mr Speakman told AAP. In the most shocking recent public shooting, innocent plumber John Versace was executed in his driveway in a case of mistaken identity. Police are still searching for the men behind the 23-year-old's murder on May 19. A "shockingly brazen" daylight shooting on a busy Sydney shopping strip has left three people wounded and shaken the city's sense of safety, authorities concede. In the latest gangland shooting to rock Sydney, two masked gunmen entered a kebab shop in the western suburb of Auburn just after 1pm on Monday and fired eight shots. One man, 26, was hit in the arm and shoulder, another yet-to-be-identified male was shot in the face and an innocent bystander - a 50-year-old female shop employee - suffered two torso wounds. The victims remained in Westmead Hospital on Monday night. The gunmen tried to enter an office at the back of the shop before fleeing in a black BMW with cloned registration plates, Acting NSW Police Commissioner Peter Thurtell said. "It is beyond comprehension that three people were shot in a crowded Sydney street in broad daylight, and the resources of the NSW police have already been deployed," Commander Thurtell said. "This is an emerging criminal investigation. We are throwing all our possible resources at it." The 26-year-old victim was believed to be the subject of two previous attempts on his life, police said. The man had reported to police on bail an hour before the shooting. While declining to identify him by name, Commander Thurtell referred to news reports identifying Alameddine crime family associate Samimjan Azari as the target of the attack. He has reportedly survived shootings at Granville and Brighton-Le-Sands. In the wake of Monday's shooting, which took place during Auburn's busy lunch hour, a crime scene was set up and roads were closed in the area for several hours. Police Minister Yasmin Catley said some of the best detectives in Australia would work the case as part of Taskforce Falcon, set up in late-May following a series of shootings between warring criminal gangs. About 100 detectives have joined another 50 officers in the mega task force set up to curb gun violence in the city after eight public shootings in six weeks. "My message to anyone out there going to be doing these place-based shootings on our streets - the police will get you and they will lock you up for a very long time, as they should," Ms Catley said. "It is one thing for criminals to be shooting each other but when innocent people get caught up in this, it is absolutely abhorrent." She said her thoughts were with the people injured in Monday's violence, which had "no place in our community". "It's horrifying, it's unacceptable and it shakes the sense of safety we all deserve." Premier Chris Minns described the shooting as "shockingly brazen" and said "NSW Police Force investigators are already hunting down those responsible". "People committing this kind of violence can expect to be arrested, charged, and to spend years inside small jail cells," Mr Minns said. Opposition Leader Mark Speakman urged action to prevent such shootings from becoming the "new normal". "Every community in NSW deserves to feel safe, and we need to come down hard on the criminals who think they can run the show," Mr Speakman told AAP. In the most shocking recent public shooting, innocent plumber John Versace was executed in his driveway in a case of mistaken identity. Police are still searching for the men behind the 23-year-old's murder on May 19.
The Advertiser
16-06-2025
- The Advertiser
'Beyond comprehension': triple shooting sparks manhunt
A man shot in a "shockingly brazen" daylight attack in Sydney which wounded two other people has had two previous attempts made on his life. It was "beyond comprehension" three people could be gunned down in Sydney in daylight, Acting NSW Police Commissioner Peter Thurtell said. It was believed the victims were wounded when two masked gunmen entered an Auburn kebab shop and fired eight shots early Monday afternoon, he said. A man, 26, was hit in the arm and shoulder, another yet-to-be-identified male was shot in the face and a 50-year-old woman, a shop employee, suffered two torso wounds, he said. The victims are in hospital. Commander Thurtell said the gunmen tried to enter an office at the back of the shop before fleeing in a black BMW with cloned registration plates. "It is beyond comprehension that three people were shot in a crowded Sydney street in broad daylight and the resources of the NSW police have already been deployed," he said. "One of the victims of the shooting, the 26-year-old male, we believe was the subject of two previous attempts on his life." The man had reported to police on bail an hour before the shooting. "This is an emerging criminal investigation, we are throwing all our possible resources at it,'' Commander Thurtell said. A crime scene has been set up and several roads are closed in the area. Police Minister Yasmin Catley Catley said some of the best detectives in Australia would work the case as part of task force Falcon, set up in late May after nine shootings between warring criminal gangs since the start of summer. About 100 detectives have joined another 50 officers in the mega task force. "My message to anyone out there going to be doing these place-based shootings on our streets - the police will get you and they will lock you up for a very long time as they should," Ms Catley said. She said her thoughts were with the people injured in Monday's violence, which had "no place in our community". "It's horrifying, it's unacceptable and it shakes the sense of safety we all deserve." Premier Chris Minns described the shooting as "shockingly brazen" and said NSW Police Force investigators are already hunting down those responsible". "People committing this kind of violence can expect to be arrested, charged, and to spend years inside small jail cells," Mr Minns said. In the most shocking public shooting, innocent plumber John Versace was executed in his driveway in a case of mistaken identity. Police are still searching for the men behind the 23-year-old's murder on May 19. A man shot in a "shockingly brazen" daylight attack in Sydney which wounded two other people has had two previous attempts made on his life. It was "beyond comprehension" three people could be gunned down in Sydney in daylight, Acting NSW Police Commissioner Peter Thurtell said. It was believed the victims were wounded when two masked gunmen entered an Auburn kebab shop and fired eight shots early Monday afternoon, he said. A man, 26, was hit in the arm and shoulder, another yet-to-be-identified male was shot in the face and a 50-year-old woman, a shop employee, suffered two torso wounds, he said. The victims are in hospital. Commander Thurtell said the gunmen tried to enter an office at the back of the shop before fleeing in a black BMW with cloned registration plates. "It is beyond comprehension that three people were shot in a crowded Sydney street in broad daylight and the resources of the NSW police have already been deployed," he said. "One of the victims of the shooting, the 26-year-old male, we believe was the subject of two previous attempts on his life." The man had reported to police on bail an hour before the shooting. "This is an emerging criminal investigation, we are throwing all our possible resources at it,'' Commander Thurtell said. A crime scene has been set up and several roads are closed in the area. Police Minister Yasmin Catley Catley said some of the best detectives in Australia would work the case as part of task force Falcon, set up in late May after nine shootings between warring criminal gangs since the start of summer. About 100 detectives have joined another 50 officers in the mega task force. "My message to anyone out there going to be doing these place-based shootings on our streets - the police will get you and they will lock you up for a very long time as they should," Ms Catley said. She said her thoughts were with the people injured in Monday's violence, which had "no place in our community". "It's horrifying, it's unacceptable and it shakes the sense of safety we all deserve." Premier Chris Minns described the shooting as "shockingly brazen" and said NSW Police Force investigators are already hunting down those responsible". "People committing this kind of violence can expect to be arrested, charged, and to spend years inside small jail cells," Mr Minns said. In the most shocking public shooting, innocent plumber John Versace was executed in his driveway in a case of mistaken identity. Police are still searching for the men behind the 23-year-old's murder on May 19. A man shot in a "shockingly brazen" daylight attack in Sydney which wounded two other people has had two previous attempts made on his life. It was "beyond comprehension" three people could be gunned down in Sydney in daylight, Acting NSW Police Commissioner Peter Thurtell said. It was believed the victims were wounded when two masked gunmen entered an Auburn kebab shop and fired eight shots early Monday afternoon, he said. A man, 26, was hit in the arm and shoulder, another yet-to-be-identified male was shot in the face and a 50-year-old woman, a shop employee, suffered two torso wounds, he said. The victims are in hospital. Commander Thurtell said the gunmen tried to enter an office at the back of the shop before fleeing in a black BMW with cloned registration plates. "It is beyond comprehension that three people were shot in a crowded Sydney street in broad daylight and the resources of the NSW police have already been deployed," he said. "One of the victims of the shooting, the 26-year-old male, we believe was the subject of two previous attempts on his life." The man had reported to police on bail an hour before the shooting. "This is an emerging criminal investigation, we are throwing all our possible resources at it,'' Commander Thurtell said. A crime scene has been set up and several roads are closed in the area. Police Minister Yasmin Catley Catley said some of the best detectives in Australia would work the case as part of task force Falcon, set up in late May after nine shootings between warring criminal gangs since the start of summer. About 100 detectives have joined another 50 officers in the mega task force. "My message to anyone out there going to be doing these place-based shootings on our streets - the police will get you and they will lock you up for a very long time as they should," Ms Catley said. She said her thoughts were with the people injured in Monday's violence, which had "no place in our community". "It's horrifying, it's unacceptable and it shakes the sense of safety we all deserve." Premier Chris Minns described the shooting as "shockingly brazen" and said NSW Police Force investigators are already hunting down those responsible". "People committing this kind of violence can expect to be arrested, charged, and to spend years inside small jail cells," Mr Minns said. In the most shocking public shooting, innocent plumber John Versace was executed in his driveway in a case of mistaken identity. Police are still searching for the men behind the 23-year-old's murder on May 19. A man shot in a "shockingly brazen" daylight attack in Sydney which wounded two other people has had two previous attempts made on his life. It was "beyond comprehension" three people could be gunned down in Sydney in daylight, Acting NSW Police Commissioner Peter Thurtell said. It was believed the victims were wounded when two masked gunmen entered an Auburn kebab shop and fired eight shots early Monday afternoon, he said. A man, 26, was hit in the arm and shoulder, another yet-to-be-identified male was shot in the face and a 50-year-old woman, a shop employee, suffered two torso wounds, he said. The victims are in hospital. Commander Thurtell said the gunmen tried to enter an office at the back of the shop before fleeing in a black BMW with cloned registration plates. "It is beyond comprehension that three people were shot in a crowded Sydney street in broad daylight and the resources of the NSW police have already been deployed," he said. "One of the victims of the shooting, the 26-year-old male, we believe was the subject of two previous attempts on his life." The man had reported to police on bail an hour before the shooting. "This is an emerging criminal investigation, we are throwing all our possible resources at it,'' Commander Thurtell said. A crime scene has been set up and several roads are closed in the area. Police Minister Yasmin Catley Catley said some of the best detectives in Australia would work the case as part of task force Falcon, set up in late May after nine shootings between warring criminal gangs since the start of summer. About 100 detectives have joined another 50 officers in the mega task force. "My message to anyone out there going to be doing these place-based shootings on our streets - the police will get you and they will lock you up for a very long time as they should," Ms Catley said. She said her thoughts were with the people injured in Monday's violence, which had "no place in our community". "It's horrifying, it's unacceptable and it shakes the sense of safety we all deserve." Premier Chris Minns described the shooting as "shockingly brazen" and said NSW Police Force investigators are already hunting down those responsible". "People committing this kind of violence can expect to be arrested, charged, and to spend years inside small jail cells," Mr Minns said. In the most shocking public shooting, innocent plumber John Versace was executed in his driveway in a case of mistaken identity. Police are still searching for the men behind the 23-year-old's murder on May 19.
