An underworld crime figure shot dead in front of terrified passers-by in central Sydney was warned of a blow to his life just weeks earlier after he survived an attempted kidnapping.
Niddal Acherkouk, 31, learned of the contract for his murder less than three weeks before he was shot dead by two masked gunmen in Surry Hills’ Crown Street on Friday night.
Terrified families and diners were seen running for their lives as a series of gunshots echoed across the busy street until the gunmen, still on the run, finished the “meticulously planned” execution.
The couple went to great lengths to keep their identities hidden by wearing large black ponchos, balaclavas, gloves and long pants that concealed their faces, skin color and body shape.
Acherkouk’s car was initially shot at after waiting for the gangland figure at a BP service station, where police sources claim the men had been awaiting his arrival.
Acherkouk, 30, managed to get from the driver’s seat to the passenger seat and exited his vehicle before fleeing on foot.
The gunmen chased him and shot him as pedestrians fled towards nearby shops to avoid being hit.
They shot Acherkouk dead before fleeing in a Porsche, which was found burned out in nearby Kensington an hour after the shooting.
Niddal Acherkouk (pictured) was shot dead by two gunmen in central Sydney on Friday night.
Gunmen chased Acherkouk on foot after shooting at his car at a BP gas station
NSW Police previously revealed Acherkouk had links to underworld organizations in Sydney and was known to police at the time of the “targeted” shooting that took his life.
It has since been revealed that he was understood to be linked to the Comanchero motorcycle gang, but was not a member, sources said. The daily telegraph.
Acherkouk’s death follows an incident last year in which three men tried to kidnap him.
Last July, a man wearing a balaclava ran up behind Acherkouk as he left a Punchbowl gym and forced his way into his car.
The pair struggled until the car crashed through the store’s front window, causing three men in balaclavas to flee the scene in a white van.
Former New South Wales police officer Glenn Gorrick said it was incredible that a member of the public was not injured.
“It’s an absolute miracle,” he told the Today show.
He said the shooting that took place in a public place was not only brazen, but also a warning to other members of organized crime.
“I am very confident that there will be more retaliatory behavior from these criminal gangs,” he said.
Police are now bracing for gangland reprisals as the desperate search continues to locate the gunmen responsible.
“This is an outrageous incident which demonstrated a high level of reckless indifference towards the public who were in and around the area at the time,” South Sydney Superintendent Andrew Garner told reporters on Saturday.
He added that Acherkouk suffered a gunshot wound to the upper body, but could not confirm how many shots were fired.
“He was alone in his vehicle at the gas station,” he said.
“After that, he exited the vehicle and walked down Cleveland Street, where he succumbed to his injuries.”
Footage from the scene showed bloodstains on the road near the Surry Hills service station.
Niddal Acherkouk (pictured injured in the street) suffered a gunshot wound to the upper body. But police could not confirm how many shots were fired.
Superintendent Garner said the incident was “scandalous” and demonstrated a lack of respect for public safety in a busy and crowded area of the city.
“We will work very hard to identify and arrest those involved and hold them to account,” Superintendent Garner said.
‘(My message to them)… We’re coming for you.’
Images from the scene showed blood stains on the road near the gas station.
Earlier, a blood-soaked white sheet was seen covering Acherkouk’s body as paramedics worked desperately to revive him.
Superintendent Garner said police are investigating the movements of the burned vehicle.
New South Wales Police said in a statement on Friday night that the shooting and the car fire are believed to be linked.
Swarms of first responders were at the scene, including police and at least five emergency vehicles.
Officers secured the intersection of Cleveland and Bourke streets before a police operation began.
Several people, who were inside a store, were forced to duck for cover at the sound of gunshots.
A local who was dining nearby told Daily Mail Australia she heard three gunshots in the direction of BP.
New South Wales police said on Saturday that Acherkouk had links to underworld organizations in Sydney and was known to police at the time of his death.
Witnesses reported seeing the gunman jump out of a car before the shooting, while another witness said he saw a “bloody” man after the incident.
Another man told Daily Telegraph He heard “explosion after explosion” and said “everyone panicked” as chaos ensued.
‘People are running and screaming everywhere. It was surreal. Terrifying,’ he said.
Some businesses were forced to close their doors for the night, and local grocery store Harris Farm reportedly urged shoppers to leave.
Investigations into the shooting are ongoing.
Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.