Net Closes in on Sydney Shooting Suspects

Sydney Shooting Suspects Arrested

The single sharpest fact in one or two punchy sentences. Two men, 21-year-old Alpay Albayir and 22-year-old Harish Ramasawmy, were arrested over the alleged murder of a man at a high-density western Sydney unit block. Abdallah Bahsa, 38, died at Westmead Hospital after he was shot inside a unit on Shale Street, Lidcombe, about 4am on Monday. Alpay Albayir allegedly crashed into a parked car on Boronia Street, Ermington about 1.30pm on Monday, before police found a gun in the car he was driving.

Both men were charged with murder and wounding a person with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. Alpay Albayir was charged over the earlier alleged attack, while the 22-year-old man was charged with murder. Neither applied for bail when the matter came before Burwood Local Court on Tuesday. The pair will face court again on 26 July.

Police are still searching for a number of other alleged offenders who remain at large. Superintendent Robert Toynton, the officer in charge of the investigation, said the police were closing in on the suspects. “The net is closing very quickly,” he said on Tuesday.

Some residents leaving the area on Monday told media they heard a loud bang in the early hours of the morning. One resident, who wished to remain anonymous, described the area as a hotspot for drug crime. “I see a lot of ‘druggie’ types coming and going … always someone suss in and out of the building,” they said.

The shooting took place in a high-density unit block bordering Accor Stadium in Sydney Olympic Park. Police had earlier appealed for information about the allegedly targeted attack with “strong links to organised crime”. The incident came days after two men were taken to hospital following a brawl which ended in gunfire at Chester Hill on Thursday night.

More Arrests Expected

Detectives are directing investigations outside the complex, where officers were seen carrying large bags away from the scene. The police are expected to make more arrests as they close in on the suspects. Superintendent Toynton said the police were urging other alleged offenders to give themselves up.

The shooting has sent shockwaves through the community, with residents expressing their fear and concern. One resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said they were worried about the safety of the area.

“Someone must have seen something. Someone must have heard something. Someone must have seen a car, or these offenders leaving on foot,” Superintendent Toynton said on Monday.