Dulwich Hill: Police operation underway after reports of gunfire in Sydney’s inner west

A major police operation is underway in Sydney’s inner west after a man allegedly set fire to a stolen vehicle while armed with a gun before fleeing on foot.

Police were called to a carpark on Williams Parade in Dulwich Hill about 10.20am on Friday following reports of a stolen vehicle.

Officers from Inner West Police Area Command were told a man was armed with a firearm inside the vehicle before allegedly setting it alight.

The man then fled the scene on foot and was last seen on Union Street.

Police are now searching for the man, who is described as being of Caucasian appearance, aged in his 20s, about 160cm tall with a thin build and shaggy hair.

He was last seen wearing a blue T-shirt and long black pants.

Fire and Rescue NSW crews attended the scene and extinguished the vehicle fire, with no injuries reported.

A large police presence remains in the area, with a crime scene established and several local roads closed.

Earlier, police urged residents and motorists to avoid the area as officers responded to the incident.

“A police operation is underway in Dulwich Hill, on Williams Parade,” police said in an initial statement.

“The public are urged to avoid the area.”

According to The Daily Telegraph, nearby schools were reportedly placed into lockdown as police responded to the incident.

Light rail services between Dulwich Hill and Lilyfield were also suspended.

NSW Ambulance paramedics were called to the scene but were not required to treat any patients.

Police have appealed for anyone in the Dulwich Hill area with mobile phone or dashcam footage of the incident to come forward.

Footage can be uploaded directly to police through this link.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Inner West Police Area Command or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Investigations are continuing.

More to come...