Police are searching for a gunman after a house in Melbourne’s north-west was riddled with bullets in a suspected drive-by shooting late Tuesday night, marking the latest in a string of firearms incidents across the city.
Emergency services were called to Payne Street, Gladstone Park, just before 11.15pm on Tuesday, July 14, after multiple shots were fired from a passing vehicle at a residential property.
Fortunately, no one inside the home was injured, despite several bullets striking the house. Investigators believe the occupants were inside at the time of the attack, but none required medical treatment.
Gunman fled the scene
Victoria Police said the offender, or offenders, fled the area immediately after the shooting in a vehicle before officers arrived.
A crime scene has been established while detectives and forensic specialists examine the property for ballistic evidence and other clues. Police are working to determine the number of shots fired and whether the home was deliberately targeted.
Detectives appeal for witnesses
Investigators are urging anyone who witnessed suspicious activity in the area or has CCTV, dashcam or mobile phone footage from Gladstone Park around the time of the shooting to come forward.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000 or submit a report online.
Latest in a series of violent attacks
The shooting comes amid a recent spike in firearm and arson incidents across Melbourne, with authorities investigating several suspected targeted attacks over the past week.
Senior Victoria Police officers have vowed to identify and arrest those responsible for a series of drive-by shootings, arson attacks and other violent offences, saying specialist investigators are pursuing multiple lines of inquiry.
Gladstone Park has itself been the scene of recent serious incidents. Last week, police arrested two teenagers following a suspicious arson involving a burning vehicle in Payne Street, although investigators have not indicated whether that incident is connected to Tuesday night’s shooting.
