An underworld figure has been revealed to be the suspected target of a brazen shooting at a kebab shop in Sydney’s south-west that left three people injured.
Emergency services were called to the M Brothers kebab shop in Auburn about 1.15pm today.
NSW Police Acting Commissioner Peter Thurtell told reporters two masked gunmen walked into the shop and fired eight rounds, injuring two men and a woman.
“It’s beyond comprehension that three people be shot in a crowded Sydney street in broad daylight,” he said.
9News understands the gunmen targeted Samimjan Azari, 26, who was shot in the arm and shoulder.
He has previously survived two shootings at Granville and Brighton-Le-Sands.
“One of the victims of the shooting, a 26-year-old male, we believe was the subject of two previous attempts on his life,” Thurtell said.
Thurtell said the two previous attacks are “likely to be connected” to this afternoon’s shooting.
“Strike Force Falcon will attempt to identify any linkages between this event and previous events,” he said.
Thurtell added that Azari had reported to officers at the Auburn Police Station on bail about an hour before the attack.
“He was in the company of another male. Whether the second person that was shot is that same male, we’re yet to conclude,” he said.
An unidentified man was shot in the face, and a 50-year-old woman, who police said was an innocent worker, was shot twice in the torso.
All three were treated by paramedics before they were taken to hospital.
Thurtell said two gunmen had tried to get into the office at the back of the shop but failed and fled the scene in a black BMW.
They remain on the run.
The daytime shooting has rattled the city, with authorities sending a clear message to organised criminals.
“This is shockingly brazen, and NSW Police Force investigators are already hunting down those responsible,” Premier Chris Minns said.
Police have declared a crime scene and closed South Parade and surrounding streets.
South Parade runs beside a train station and near local businesses.
“It is absolutely abhorrent and we will not tolerate it,” Police Minister Yasmin Catley said.
Investigations remain ongoing, and police urge anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers.
