The killers who gunned down an underworld figure on a suburban street managed to lure him out by posing as police officers before they shot him dead in a hail of bullets.
Hawre Sherwani, 33, was detained by the gang of executioners on Heyson Parkway, Caroline Springs, in Melbourne’s northwest, about 10.30pm on Thursday.
The group used lights and sirens to trick Sherwani, who was allegedly driving a white Volkswagen hatchback, before he was shot dead during the ambush.
Sherwani, linked to the Comanchero motorcycle gang, suffered critical injuries before being rushed to hospital, where he later died. The gunmen are still at large.
Police revealed that Sherwani was known to authorities and that the shooting was a targeted attack.
Images showed the crime scene littered with bullet casings over a wide area as detectives and forensic investigators examined the scene Friday morning.
Police also located a burnt-out dark-coloured Volkswagen Tiguan, which was found on Beattys Road in Fraser Rise on Thursday.
Officers believe the vehicle is linked to the shooting and is believed to have been stolen from a home in Clyde North, in Melbourne’s south-east, in November last year.
Melbourne underworld figure Hawre Sherwani, 33 (pictured), was shot dead amid a hail of bullets by a group of executioners in Melbourne’s northwest on Thursday night.
Footage showed the crime scene (pictured) littered with bullet casings over a wide area as detectives examined the scene on Friday morning.
Detective Superintendent Janet Stevenson said there are fears the latest murder could trigger further reprisals among the gangs.
“We’re concerned because this has been going on for a while, so we have a lot of concerns about it,” Superintendent Stevenson said.
“It’s brazen, it’s irresponsible, and yet it’s very specific but very concerning (to) the people of this neighborhood.”
Police believe at least one offender was injured in the shooting.
“We urge you to get medical assistance and it’s very important that you do because these could be quite serious injuries,” Superintendent Stevenson said.
Images obtained by Herald of the sun It showed two passers-by providing assistance to Sherwani in the middle of the road.
Sherwani reportedly told people who came to his aid that he had been “shot” and asked them to call an ambulance.
James, a resident who helped Sherwani along with his wife and two children, said he heard about six gunshots.
Police said there are fears the latest killing could trigger more reprisals among the mob as officers continue to investigate the shooting.
“The victim approached me and then I put him in a safe position and then my wife and two young children came in,” he said. 3AW.
‘He was going in and out (of consciousness) and we were just trying to keep him alive.
“There was a shot under the ribs and he was bleeding a little.”
Several residents, who asked not to be identified, said the street was normally quiet.
It had not previously been the scene of any criminal activity.
One man said the victim had knocked on the doors of several houses seeking help from neighbors who attempted to administer first aid.
Sherwani is believed to have been an associate of Robert Issa, 27, who was shot dead outside a busy shopping center in Craigieburn, north of Melbourne, in October 2023.
Police also revealed that they are investigating whether Sherwani’s death was linked to a separate incident when he was attacked with firearms.
Several area residents said the street was normally quiet and had not previously been the scene of criminal activity.
The incident occurred at Fraser Rise on March 20, 2024.
A Victoria Police spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia that Homicide Squad detectives are reviewing CCTV footage as part of the investigation into the fatal shooting.
“The exact circumstances leading up to the shooting are still being established and the investigation is ongoing,” the spokesperson said.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.