Avoca beach shooting: Man airlifted to hospital after NSW shooting after shooting rattles Central Coast town

A man has been shot in the leg at a home on the NSW Central Coast, in what police have described as a “targeted attack”.

The shooting happened in a property on Clements Drive at Avoca Beach about 7.15pm on Wednesday

“We are investigating that matter thoroughly. I can say at this stage that it was a targeted attack,” NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon told reporters on Thursday.

“I want the community to understand that this was not a random shooting incident.

“We are certainly aware of the person who has been shot, we’re aware of their background and we’ll investigate the matter thoroughly as we regularly do.”

The 39-year-old man inside the home was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being airlifted to hospital.

Police said his injuries were not believed to be life-threatening.

A crime scene was established and detectives launched an investigation under Strike Force Mectra.

Central Coast councillor and Avoca Beach resident Jared Wright said the shooting had left members of the community concerned for their safety.

“This has been a highly distressing incident for our community and it comes just weeks after a similar incident in Berkeley Vale, which is a short drive to the north on the Central Coast,” Mr Wright said.

“We are a tight knit community here in Avoca Beach and I have spoken to many of my neighbours and local residents following the incident who are concerned for their safety.

“It’s an incident that we never thought would happen in our local area.”

Mr Wright said the shooting was particularly concerning given the number of visitors staying in the popular beachside suburb during the school holidays.

“Avoca Beach is in the peak of the school holiday period with tourists here from all parts of Greater Sydney and beyond,” he said.