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Parramatta shooting: NSW police confirm employee shot dead along with gunman – as it happened Parramatta shooting: NSW police confirm employee shot dead along with gunman – as it happened
(4 days later)
12.43pm BST12:43 9.43pm AEST12:43
SummarySummary
We are going to wrap up our live coverage of this incident here. But before we do, this is what we now know about the fatal shooting:We are going to wrap up our live coverage of this incident here. But before we do, this is what we now know about the fatal shooting:
Thanks for following.Thanks for following.
12.23pm BST12:23 9.23pm AEST12:23
Scipione said it was possible the gunman hung around after the unsworn officer was killed because he wanted to commit “suicide by cop”.Scipione said it was possible the gunman hung around after the unsworn officer was killed because he wanted to commit “suicide by cop”.
He had this to say when asked about the emotional toll of losing an officer:He had this to say when asked about the emotional toll of losing an officer:
Look, there’s no way you can describe the feeling that comes with being told you have an officer that’s been killed. Doesn’t matter whether they’re sworn or un-sworn.Look, there’s no way you can describe the feeling that comes with being told you have an officer that’s been killed. Doesn’t matter whether they’re sworn or un-sworn.
This man was simply leaving work this afternoon and he was gunned down. He was murdered on this street, this very street.This man was simply leaving work this afternoon and he was gunned down. He was murdered on this street, this very street.
There is no worse feeling as a commissioner. We’ve just been through Police Remembrance Day, only Tuesday of this week, and here we are on Friday having to deal with this.There is no worse feeling as a commissioner. We’ve just been through Police Remembrance Day, only Tuesday of this week, and here we are on Friday having to deal with this.
He continued:He continued:
Let me assure you anyone that thinks that they’re in the business of injuring or in fact killing an officer of the NSW police force needs to understand they will be dealt with with the full force of the law.Let me assure you anyone that thinks that they’re in the business of injuring or in fact killing an officer of the NSW police force needs to understand they will be dealt with with the full force of the law.
12.19pm BST12:19 9.19pm AEST12:19
At this early stage, Scipione said, it appears that the incident was one lone gunman, acting in isolation, and there’s nothing to suggest that anyone else might be involved. But there’s also nothing to rule it out because as yet they have not been able to identify the gunman. He provides a bit more clarity on the gunman’s attire, which has been the subject of a number of news reports. It was, “a long pair of long trousers and a flowing top”.At this early stage, Scipione said, it appears that the incident was one lone gunman, acting in isolation, and there’s nothing to suggest that anyone else might be involved. But there’s also nothing to rule it out because as yet they have not been able to identify the gunman. He provides a bit more clarity on the gunman’s attire, which has been the subject of a number of news reports. It was, “a long pair of long trousers and a flowing top”.
Scipione also provided some clarification on the assertion that the NSW Police employee, who was an unsworn police officer, was “deliberately targeted”.Scipione also provided some clarification on the assertion that the NSW Police employee, who was an unsworn police officer, was “deliberately targeted”.
Reporter: What you said about deliberately targeted, what leads you to say that?Reporter: What you said about deliberately targeted, what leads you to say that?
Scipione: The footage that I’ve viewed shows that this particular man was certainly targeted.Scipione: The footage that I’ve viewed shows that this particular man was certainly targeted.
Reporter: And can you confirm that he was shot at point-blank range?Reporter: And can you confirm that he was shot at point-blank range?
Scipione: Certainly it was very close range.Scipione: Certainly it was very close range.
12.14pm BST12:14 9.14pm AEST12:14
Scipione said police are “keeping an open mind” about the motive behind the attack, but that NSW police had re-circulated its safety warnings to police officers this afternoon. That’s the warning that was strengthened in light of heightened “terrorism chatter” last year.Scipione said police are “keeping an open mind” about the motive behind the attack, but that NSW police had re-circulated its safety warnings to police officers this afternoon. That’s the warning that was strengthened in light of heightened “terrorism chatter” last year.
He declined to comment on reports that there had been an increase in that kind of chatter in recent days.He declined to comment on reports that there had been an increase in that kind of chatter in recent days.
At this stage we’ve got nothing to link this event to any terrorist-related activity, but we could not say that that wasn’t the case.At this stage we’ve got nothing to link this event to any terrorist-related activity, but we could not say that that wasn’t the case.
So clearly, you would understand, we have officers from within the counter-terrorism command working alongside homicide, but this is a homicide investigation led by homicide, and we will be certainly reporting to the coroner and at this stage we want to stay right there until we get some further information.So clearly, you would understand, we have officers from within the counter-terrorism command working alongside homicide, but this is a homicide investigation led by homicide, and we will be certainly reporting to the coroner and at this stage we want to stay right there until we get some further information.
Scipione said there was no threat to the broader NSW community.Scipione said there was no threat to the broader NSW community.
12.08pm BST12:08 9.08pm AEST12:08
Scipione said the NSW police employee appeared to have been deliberately targeted by the gunman.Scipione said the NSW police employee appeared to have been deliberately targeted by the gunman.
An employee of the NSW police force has been callously murdered here today. This is a very sobering time for us, and I have viewed a number of pieces of footage, I can tell you that this was a brutal crime. It was a terrible crime.An employee of the NSW police force has been callously murdered here today. This is a very sobering time for us, and I have viewed a number of pieces of footage, I can tell you that this was a brutal crime. It was a terrible crime.
I can also tell you that the police officers exhibited enormous bravery. Those special constables who responded were brave, and they were very professional.I can also tell you that the police officers exhibited enormous bravery. Those special constables who responded were brave, and they were very professional.
12.05pm BST12:05 9.05pm AEST12:05
Scipione says that, “obviously this is very distressing for us all.”Scipione says that, “obviously this is very distressing for us all.”
Currently we’re attempting to identify a man who was seen to approach the victim and discharge one single shot. Subsequently, the assailant remained in the street here in Charles Street before he fired several further shots at a special constable.Currently we’re attempting to identify a man who was seen to approach the victim and discharge one single shot. Subsequently, the assailant remained in the street here in Charles Street before he fired several further shots at a special constable.
A number of special constables have come out of the building and as they’ve emerged they’ve come under fire. In the exchange that followed the gunman was shot and killed.A number of special constables have come out of the building and as they’ve emerged they’ve come under fire. In the exchange that followed the gunman was shot and killed.
11.59am BST11:59 8.59pm AEST11:59
Andrew Scipione, the commissioner of police for NSW, is addressing the media near the Parramatta police complex.Andrew Scipione, the commissioner of police for NSW, is addressing the media near the Parramatta police complex.
I can confirm that a NSW police force civilian employee has been shot dead… he was simply leaving workI can confirm that a NSW police force civilian employee has been shot dead… he was simply leaving work
His relatives have not yet been informed.His relatives have not yet been informed.
11.53am BST11:53 8.53pm AEST11:53
11.50am BST11:50 8.50pm AEST11:50
We are expecting to hear from the commissioner of police, Andrew Scipione, in the next few minutes. In the mean time, Monica Tan reports that police are conducting a line search of Charles Street.We are expecting to hear from the commissioner of police, Andrew Scipione, in the next few minutes. In the mean time, Monica Tan reports that police are conducting a line search of Charles Street.
She writes:She writes:
The riot police are doing a very close inspection of Charles street not far from the crime scene. There are around 12 officers standing in a row walking in unison with their torches to the ground. They appear to be searching for something and occasionally pause when one officer crouches to take a closer look.The riot police are doing a very close inspection of Charles street not far from the crime scene. There are around 12 officers standing in a row walking in unison with their torches to the ground. They appear to be searching for something and occasionally pause when one officer crouches to take a closer look.
Channel 9’s Airlie Walsh caught it on video:Channel 9’s Airlie Walsh caught it on video:
Police conduct line search on Charles St, Parramatta. #9News pic.twitter.com/UAtMIkiMu8Police conduct line search on Charles St, Parramatta. #9News pic.twitter.com/UAtMIkiMu8
11.44am BST11:44 8.44pm AEST11:44
Another eyewitness has told reporters that he heard seven or eight shots, in two bursts.Another eyewitness has told reporters that he heard seven or eight shots, in two bursts.
There was four shots fired first and there was a silence of 15, 20 seconds, and then there were another four shots fired, I think.There was four shots fired first and there was a silence of 15, 20 seconds, and then there were another four shots fired, I think.
11.32am BST11:32 8.32pm AEST11:32
There’s still a bit of activity behind the police cordon.There’s still a bit of activity behind the police cordon.
An ambulance has just driven away. Two police vans remain. I've seen least two police dogs. #ParramattaShooting pic.twitter.com/4hxQMmiau9An ambulance has just driven away. Two police vans remain. I've seen least two police dogs. #ParramattaShooting pic.twitter.com/4hxQMmiau9
11.23am BST11:23 8.23pm AEST11:23
Andrew Scipione, the NSW commissioner of police, is reportedly at the scene at Parramatta and being briefed to address the media.Andrew Scipione, the NSW commissioner of police, is reportedly at the scene at Parramatta and being briefed to address the media.
Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione is at the scene of the #Parramatta shooting. Expected to address media shortly. @9NewsSydPolice Commissioner Andrew Scipione is at the scene of the #Parramatta shooting. Expected to address media shortly. @9NewsSyd
Commissioner Andrew Scipione has all three deputies with him and is currently being briefed on #Parramatta shooting. @9NewsSydCommissioner Andrew Scipione has all three deputies with him and is currently being briefed on #Parramatta shooting. @9NewsSyd
11.12am BST11:12 8.12pm AEST11:12
What we know so farWhat we know so far
While we wait for NSW Police to address the media, which I am told will happen “shortly”, here’s a quick recap of what has been confirmed so far.While we wait for NSW Police to address the media, which I am told will happen “shortly”, here’s a quick recap of what has been confirmed so far.
Obviously police are being rather circumspect. That’s the standard response whenever an officer is involved (and I’m using involved in the vaguest sense because that police statement doesn’t give me much choice) in a fatal shooting.Obviously police are being rather circumspect. That’s the standard response whenever an officer is involved (and I’m using involved in the vaguest sense because that police statement doesn’t give me much choice) in a fatal shooting.
I won’t go into reports about what the man identified by eyewitnesses as carrying a gun was wearing or what he looked like.I won’t go into reports about what the man identified by eyewitnesses as carrying a gun was wearing or what he looked like.
10.46am BST10:46 7.46pm AEST10:46
Reinforcements have arrived in the form of about a dozen public order and riot squad police officers.Reinforcements have arrived in the form of about a dozen public order and riot squad police officers.
10.44am BST10:44 7.44pm AEST10:44
More video footage has emerged of the moments just after the shooting. This video was taken from a building opposite the police headquarters.More video footage has emerged of the moments just after the shooting. This video was taken from a building opposite the police headquarters.
People who can be heard talking on the video sound pretty shocked.People who can be heard talking on the video sound pretty shocked.
“Is he dead?”“Is he dead?”
“He is now.”“He is now.”
10.35am BST10:35 7.35pm AEST10:35
My colleague, Monica Tan, has spoken to a couple that live on Charles Street but were, when she spoke to them, unable to return to their home. She has filed this update:My colleague, Monica Tan, has spoken to a couple that live on Charles Street but were, when she spoke to them, unable to return to their home. She has filed this update:
Tony Hong and his wife Miffy live in the building opposite the police station. With the street cordoned off they are currently unable to return to their home. Their 8 month old baby and Miffy’s mother are trapped inside, with the street cordoned off by police.Tony Hong and his wife Miffy live in the building opposite the police station. With the street cordoned off they are currently unable to return to their home. Their 8 month old baby and Miffy’s mother are trapped inside, with the street cordoned off by police.
“We don’t know what’s happening, so we’re pretty worried. We’ve been waiting for more than an hour,” Tony said.“We don’t know what’s happening, so we’re pretty worried. We’ve been waiting for more than an hour,” Tony said.
Miffy Hong told Monica that her mother heard what sounded to be five or six shots, which were so loud that they woke the baby.Miffy Hong told Monica that her mother heard what sounded to be five or six shots, which were so loud that they woke the baby.
10.20am BST10:20 7.20pm AEST10:20
This was the scene at Parramatta earlier this evening. The footage is from the Channel 7 News police helicopter.This was the scene at Parramatta earlier this evening. The footage is from the Channel 7 News police helicopter.
10.17am BST10:17 7.17pm AEST10:17
This is Dennis Entriken, one of the parents waiting to pick up their child from a childcare centre that remains on lock-down inside the police cordon.This is Dennis Entriken, one of the parents waiting to pick up their child from a childcare centre that remains on lock-down inside the police cordon.
Updated at 10.29am BST Updated at 7.29pm AEST
10.11am BST10:11 7.11pm AEST10:11
Monica Tan has sent through this report from Charles Street:Monica Tan has sent through this report from Charles Street:
I‘m standing about 100m away from the police building. A small section of the street between Macquarie and Hassall on Charles Streets has been cordoned off and is being manned by a dozen police. I watched them remove at least one body covered in a white sheet although witnesses have said they saw two bodies.I‘m standing about 100m away from the police building. A small section of the street between Macquarie and Hassall on Charles Streets has been cordoned off and is being manned by a dozen police. I watched them remove at least one body covered in a white sheet although witnesses have said they saw two bodies.
There is a small group of residents who have gathered, unable to return home. Many of them have loved ones and family members in the building.There is a small group of residents who have gathered, unable to return home. Many of them have loved ones and family members in the building.
Next to the police station is a childcare centre, where children and staff remain trapped inside. Dennis Entriken and his wife have a 3 and a 1/2 year old daughter in the centre and have been waiting since 5 o’clock after learning about the incident. They are feeling worried and frustrated.Next to the police station is a childcare centre, where children and staff remain trapped inside. Dennis Entriken and his wife have a 3 and a 1/2 year old daughter in the centre and have been waiting since 5 o’clock after learning about the incident. They are feeling worried and frustrated.
“We don’t know whether they were inside or outside playing when it happened, or what they saw. We just know they’re safe,” he said.“We don’t know whether they were inside or outside playing when it happened, or what they saw. We just know they’re safe,” he said.
10.04am BST10:04 7.04pm AEST10:04
Parallels are, of course, being drawn between this shooting and the mass shooting at Umpqua community college in Roseburg, Oregon, on Thursday, where a 26-year-old man killed as many as nine people before being killed himself.Parallels are, of course, being drawn between this shooting and the mass shooting at Umpqua community college in Roseburg, Oregon, on Thursday, where a 26-year-old man killed as many as nine people before being killed himself.
You have probably heard Barrack Obama’s powerful speech, following the shooting, which praised Australia and the UK as “countries like ours” that have managed to introduce gun laws to reduce the number of mass shootings.You have probably heard Barrack Obama’s powerful speech, following the shooting, which praised Australia and the UK as “countries like ours” that have managed to introduce gun laws to reduce the number of mass shootings.
And, if you’re on the internet, you have probably also seen people linking Obama’s speech to the incident in Parramatta, to argue that Australia’s gun laws don’t work. It’s worth remembering that there have not been any mass shootings (that’s three or more killed) in a public place since the restrictive gun laws were introduced, following the 1996 Port Arthur massacre.And, if you’re on the internet, you have probably also seen people linking Obama’s speech to the incident in Parramatta, to argue that Australia’s gun laws don’t work. It’s worth remembering that there have not been any mass shootings (that’s three or more killed) in a public place since the restrictive gun laws were introduced, following the 1996 Port Arthur massacre.
9.57am BST09:57 6.57pm AEST09:57
My colleague, Monica Tan, is at the scene. She spoke to a man who is anxiously waiting outside the police tape to get his daughter out of childcare. The childcare centre is inside the police cordon. He told Monica that there were a number of children at the childcare centre and that parents have not yet been allowed to collect them.My colleague, Monica Tan, is at the scene. She spoke to a man who is anxiously waiting outside the police tape to get his daughter out of childcare. The childcare centre is inside the police cordon. He told Monica that there were a number of children at the childcare centre and that parents have not yet been allowed to collect them.
Updated at 10.30am BST Updated at 7.30pm AEST
9.48am BST09:48 6.48pm AEST09:48
NSW Police have released a statement about the incident:NSW Police have released a statement about the incident:
A critical incident investigation has been launched following the death of two people at Parramatta.A critical incident investigation has been launched following the death of two people at Parramatta.
The incident occurred outside the NSW Police headquarters building on Charles Street about 4.30pm today (Friday 2 October 2015), after a number of shots were fired.The incident occurred outside the NSW Police headquarters building on Charles Street about 4.30pm today (Friday 2 October 2015), after a number of shots were fired.
It appears an officer has discharged his weapon, responding to a report that a person had been shot.It appears an officer has discharged his weapon, responding to a report that a person had been shot.
Two people have died at the scene.Two people have died at the scene.
The statement says that a crime scene has been established and a critical incident team, which is called in whenever someone dies in the presence of police, will “investigate all circumstances surrounding the incident.”The statement says that a crime scene has been established and a critical incident team, which is called in whenever someone dies in the presence of police, will “investigate all circumstances surrounding the incident.”
On reports identifying the deceased, the statement says:On reports identifying the deceased, the statement says:
Police are yet to establish the identity of the deceased.Police are yet to establish the identity of the deceased.
A critical incident investigation is underway after two people died after incident o/s NSW PHQ http://t.co/Huj3ZsZ8UpA critical incident investigation is underway after two people died after incident o/s NSW PHQ http://t.co/Huj3ZsZ8Up
9.33am BST09:33 6.33pm AEST09:33
It’s getting dark in Parramatta now, still no official confirmation from police.It’s getting dark in Parramatta now, still no official confirmation from police.
Streets are still closed off in Parramatta, still waiting to hear from police @abcnews @abcnewsSydney pic.twitter.com/FfQW8c9PvRStreets are still closed off in Parramatta, still waiting to hear from police @abcnews @abcnewsSydney pic.twitter.com/FfQW8c9PvR
9.26am BST09:26 6.26pm AEST09:26
There’s still a 2km exclusion zone around NSW Police headquarters in Charles Street, Parramatta, according to Channel 9 news reporter Airlie Walsh. Walsh told 2GB that a number of businesses and apartments within that zone remain on lock-down, with people stuck inside.There’s still a 2km exclusion zone around NSW Police headquarters in Charles Street, Parramatta, according to Channel 9 news reporter Airlie Walsh. Walsh told 2GB that a number of businesses and apartments within that zone remain on lock-down, with people stuck inside.
It’s understood NSW Police will hold a press conference of some sort shortly, although as with all things in this situation, “shortly” is a fluid term.It’s understood NSW Police will hold a press conference of some sort shortly, although as with all things in this situation, “shortly” is a fluid term.
9.20am BST09:20 6.20pm AEST09:20
Edwin Almeida, the real estate agent who spoke to AAP, has also spoken to 2GB radio. His office is directly opposite the NSW Police HQ, and he told 2GB that when he heard what sounded like gunshots he told his staff that it was probably just something falling off the scaffolding from a nearby building site.Edwin Almeida, the real estate agent who spoke to AAP, has also spoken to 2GB radio. His office is directly opposite the NSW Police HQ, and he told 2GB that when he heard what sounded like gunshots he told his staff that it was probably just something falling off the scaffolding from a nearby building site.
When he looked outside, Almeida said, he saw someone with a gun.When he looked outside, Almeida said, he saw someone with a gun.
It was almost surreal, it looked like something you would see… one of those big guns that Magnum would have.It was almost surreal, it looked like something you would see… one of those big guns that Magnum would have.
9.15am BST09:15 6.15pm AEST09:15
Here’s that video from the Channel Seven helicopter. (You may need to scroll down.)Here’s that video from the Channel Seven helicopter. (You may need to scroll down.)
Updated at 9.20am BST Updated at 6.20pm AEST
9.13am BST09:13 6.13pm AEST09:13
While we’re waiting for NSW police to confirm all these reports that are flying around, here’s a thought from Sydney Morning Herald crime editor Nick Ralston.While we’re waiting for NSW police to confirm all these reports that are flying around, here’s a thought from Sydney Morning Herald crime editor Nick Ralston.
Detectives at Parramatta had previously been warned to carry their guns on them at all times. Even if just stepping out for lunch.Detectives at Parramatta had previously been warned to carry their guns on them at all times. Even if just stepping out for lunch.
9.07am BST09:07 6.07pm AEST09:07
This report has just come through from AAP:This report has just come through from AAP:
Real estate agent Edwin Almeida told AAP he saw a man with a gun screaming and pacing up and down outside the building, before seeing the man lying on the ground with a police officer pointing a gun at him.Real estate agent Edwin Almeida told AAP he saw a man with a gun screaming and pacing up and down outside the building, before seeing the man lying on the ground with a police officer pointing a gun at him.
“We looked out the window, saw security guards and what appeared to be a plain clothes police officer with gun drawn pointing at the person that was now lying on the floor surrounded by a pool of blood,” he said.“We looked out the window, saw security guards and what appeared to be a plain clothes police officer with gun drawn pointing at the person that was now lying on the floor surrounded by a pool of blood,” he said.
9.04am BST09:04 6.04pm AEST09:04
There are a number of reports identifying two people allegedly killed in the shooting. Again, we will refrain from publishing those details until we have independent confirmation.There are a number of reports identifying two people allegedly killed in the shooting. Again, we will refrain from publishing those details until we have independent confirmation.
9.03am BST09:03 6.03pm AEST09:03
Channel 9 News has spoken to a witness who runs a business on Charles Street. In an interview that was relayed on 2GB radio, he claimed he saw a man running up the street wielding a gun while trying to get his employees indoors.Channel 9 News has spoken to a witness who runs a business on Charles Street. In an interview that was relayed on 2GB radio, he claimed he saw a man running up the street wielding a gun while trying to get his employees indoors.
“One of them ran back and said there’s a man running up and down the street, there’s a gunman running up and down the street firing at people.“One of them ran back and said there’s a man running up and down the street, there’s a gunman running up and down the street firing at people.
I sort of heard another three shots. As I looked out the door to open the door for my staff to come in the building… I actually saw the man running up the street wielding a gun, a handgun.”I sort of heard another three shots. As I looked out the door to open the door for my staff to come in the building… I actually saw the man running up the street wielding a gun, a handgun.”
8.53am BST08:53 5.53pm AEST08:53
Everything is quite vague at this stage, but what does seem consistent across the reports is that the shooting occurred near the Charles St police headquarters around 4.30pm.Everything is quite vague at this stage, but what does seem consistent across the reports is that the shooting occurred near the Charles St police headquarters around 4.30pm.
Witness Vijay Dantu says he saw two men enter Police HQ in #Parramatta before gunfire was exchanged. pic.twitter.com/A8G4DD5NTIWitness Vijay Dantu says he saw two men enter Police HQ in #Parramatta before gunfire was exchanged. pic.twitter.com/A8G4DD5NTI
Updated at 9.05am BST Updated at 6.05pm AEST
8.49am BST08:49 5.49pm AEST08:49
8.48am BST08:48 5.48pm AEST08:48
There are a lot of reports coming through, very few that we have been able to independently confirm. NSW Police have not confirmed anything at this stage, other than a). there was a critical incident, and b). could pedestrians please avoid Charles Street.There are a lot of reports coming through, very few that we have been able to independently confirm. NSW Police have not confirmed anything at this stage, other than a). there was a critical incident, and b). could pedestrians please avoid Charles Street.
Any reports identifying the alleged shooter(s) or victims, or their motivation, we will steer clear of until we get confirmation.Any reports identifying the alleged shooter(s) or victims, or their motivation, we will steer clear of until we get confirmation.
8.43am BST08:43 5.43pm AEST08:43
Footage from the Channel 7 helicopter, seen here on Mashable, shows what appears to be two bodies lying under sheets.Footage from the Channel 7 helicopter, seen here on Mashable, shows what appears to be two bodies lying under sheets.
Two people shot outside Australian police headquarters: Two people have been shot outside the police headquart... http://t.co/QXpsRAsdj4Two people shot outside Australian police headquarters: Two people have been shot outside the police headquart... http://t.co/QXpsRAsdj4
8.37am BST08:37 5.37pm AEST08:37
Local Parramatta News reporter Cathy Morris is also at the scene. She says the roadblock seems to be centred around police headquarters, and witnesses report hearing multiple shots.Local Parramatta News reporter Cathy Morris is also at the scene. She says the roadblock seems to be centred around police headquarters, and witnesses report hearing multiple shots.
Police blocking streets around police headquarters #parramatta. Witness heard at least 6 shots. pic.twitter.com/fZchYTpDS3Police blocking streets around police headquarters #parramatta. Witness heard at least 6 shots. pic.twitter.com/fZchYTpDS3
8.35am BST08:35 5.35pm AEST08:35
ABC reporter, Mohamad Taha, is at the scene. This is what you can see from outside the police tape.ABC reporter, Mohamad Taha, is at the scene. This is what you can see from outside the police tape.
Witnesses say they saw 2 bodies outside Police HQ on Charles St #Parramatta. Road closed. pic.twitter.com/xpvDqBRT5HWitnesses say they saw 2 bodies outside Police HQ on Charles St #Parramatta. Road closed. pic.twitter.com/xpvDqBRT5H
Roads closed at Charles St #Parramatta. Police & paramedics on scene. pic.twitter.com/PlQirZAGL9Roads closed at Charles St #Parramatta. Police & paramedics on scene. pic.twitter.com/PlQirZAGL9
8.29am BST08:29 5.29pm AEST08:29
For those not from Sydney, this is where the apparent shooting took place.For those not from Sydney, this is where the apparent shooting took place.
8.26am BST08:26 5.26pm AEST08:26
According to ABC radio reporter Mohamed Taha, there are more than a dozen police vehicles at the incident on Charles Street, Parramatta. Taha says that witnesses have described seeing two bodies on the ground.According to ABC radio reporter Mohamed Taha, there are more than a dozen police vehicles at the incident on Charles Street, Parramatta. Taha says that witnesses have described seeing two bodies on the ground.
8.24am BST08:24 5.24pm AEST08:24
A spokeswoman for NSW Police a few minutes ago said that there was an “active police operation...in the vicinity of Police headquarters”. Members of the public have been advised to steer clear of Charles Street, Hassall Street and Wigram Street.A spokeswoman for NSW Police a few minutes ago said that there was an “active police operation...in the vicinity of Police headquarters”. Members of the public have been advised to steer clear of Charles Street, Hassall Street and Wigram Street.
8.19am BST08:19 5.22pm AEST08:22
Good afternoon and welcome to Guardian Australia’s live blog of what, at this stage, is reported to be a double shooting near the NSW Police headquarters on Charles Street, Parramatta, in western Sydney. At this stage NSW Police have not confirmed that the shooting was fatal, but there are reports that two people are dead. Stay with us.Good afternoon and welcome to Guardian Australia’s live blog of what, at this stage, is reported to be a double shooting near the NSW Police headquarters on Charles Street, Parramatta, in western Sydney. At this stage NSW Police have not confirmed that the shooting was fatal, but there are reports that two people are dead. Stay with us.
Updated at 8.27am BST Updated at 5.27pm AEST