A suburban Melbourne home was transformed into a scene of terror in the early hours of Tuesday morning, as a masked gang launched a violent and targeted home invasion in Werribee.
The quiet of Buckley Street was shattered around 2:30 am by the sound of gunfire, after a group of three men, their faces concealed, forced their way into a property. Police believe the attack was a targeted incident, potentially linked to organised crime networks operating in the western suburbs.
Once inside, the assailants did not simply ransack the property; they allegedly assaulted a male resident before discharging a firearm. The shot, which is believed to have been aimed within the house, thankfully did not result in any physical injuries to the occupants, though the psychological trauma is immense.
The trio fled the scene in a dark-coloured SUV, vanishing into the night before police could arrive. The quick getaway suggests a high level of planning and coordination.
Community Left Reeling
Forensic officers spent hours combing the property for evidence, with a focus on locating the spent cartridge that could provide crucial ballistic evidence. Detectives from the Armed Crime Squad have been called in to take charge of the investigation, underscoring the seriousness of the event.
Local residents expressed their shock and fear, describing the area as typically peaceful. The brazen nature of the attack—involving a firearm in a residential street—has left the community anxious and calling for answers.
A Targeted Assault
Victoria Police were quick to reassure the public that this was not a random act. A police spokesperson stated, "At this early stage, it is believed the incident was targeted and there is no ongoing threat to the wider community."
This incident is the latest in a string of violent home invasions across Melbourne's suburbs, raising concerns about gang-related activity. Investigations are ongoing as police work to identify the perpetrators and their motives.
