Police have expressed concerns about escalating violence within Sydney’s organised crime networks following several public shootings and arson attacks overnight.
The series of incidents started just before 2am on Saturday when gunfire was reported at a barber shop at Casula in the city’s south-west.
An alleged arson attack at a café in South Wentworthville followed two hours later, with the attacks escalating further at 7:45am when officers responded to reports of gunfire at a home on Fairmont Street in Merrylands.
A second crime scene was set up in Guildford. (ABC News: Isobel Roe)
A second crime scene was established just after 8:15am, after reports that shots were fired at a home on Woodstock Street in Guildford.
No-one was injured in the shootings.
Two people, aged 17 and 21, were arrested following a short pursuit with police, with the men apprehended and a firearm allegedly seized when their car was found abandoned at Smithfield.
Detective Superintendent Jason Box said it was “well known” that some of the premises targeted in the attacks were linked to the Alameddine crime family.
Superintendent Box said officers were investigating the connection between the alleged attacks on Saturday morning.
“It would appear the first incident had caused the other three acts in retaliation,” he said.
Police say the violence started following a shooting at a Casula hairdresser. (ABC Â News)
The Alameddines are considered by police to be key players in Sydney’s drug trade, running a complex organised crime network out of the city’s west.
NSW Police last year established Taskforce Falcon to suppress violence connected to internal conflict within the Alameddine organised crime network.
Concerns ‘retaliation won’t stop’
Superintendent Box said the taskforce would be on high alert to further attacks following Saturday’s violence.
“It’s quite obvious that these serious acts of violence have the potential to take lives [and] lead to retaliation,” he said.
“Taskforce Falcon has so far … [had] over 400 people arrested for the most serious offences from murder down, with over 4,000 charges laid.”
Superintendent Box says the attacks have the potential to “lead to retaliation”. (ABC News)
Superintendent Box said offenders who participated in violence against organised crime entities risked becoming victims in acts of retaliation.
“They’re dealing with high-level organised crime entities who commit violence. If they approach them and commit violence, expect it back,” he said.
“And don’t expect it to be restricted to [the offenders]. Their families, their associates, where they frequent is potentially going to be targeted.
“Even if they go to jail, that retaliation or threat of retaliation won’t stop.”
Charges are yet to be laid over Saturday’s incidents, and investigations are ongoing.