Police hunt armed man in Sydney's Inner West

Police are continuing their search for an armed man following an incident in Sydney's Inner West on Friday. A lockdown in the area has since been lifted, but authorities remain on high alert. The incident occurred near Williams Parade in Dulwich Hill, where a man was reportedly seen inside a van armed with a shotgun before setting it alight and fleeing toward Laxton Reserve. The police response began shortly after 10:20 am when officers were called to a car park due to reports of a stolen vehicle. According to police, the man was inside the van, which he later set on fire before escaping. No shots were fired during the incident, though members of the public were threatened. Riot squad officers, personnel in bulletproof vests, and a PolAir helicopter were deployed to the scene. Residents in the area were instructed to remain indoors as part of the security measures. One local resident, identified only as Charlie, said police prevented him from returning to his home for several hours. His partner spotted a burned-out car and was told by officers to stay inside. “They’ve locked everyone down in the street,” Charlie said. Authorities have released a description of the suspect: a Caucasian man in his 20s, approximately 160 centimeters tall, of a short build, with shaggy hair. He was wearing a blue T-shirt and long black pants at the time of the incident. Superintendant Despa Fitzgerald confirmed forensic investigators were examining the van to gather evidence. She urged anyone with information or video footage to contact police via Triple Zero (000). A school in the vicinity was placed under lockdown as part of the response. Police have emphasized the importance of community assistance, asking witnesses to provide any relevant footage from mobile phones or dashboard cameras. The exclusion zone was lifted around 2 pm, but the search for the suspect continues. No further details about the man’s possible motive or prior criminal history have been disclosed. Authorities have not indicated whether the van was linked to any known criminal activity or if there are any suspects in custody related to the incident.