Disturbing video has surfaced showcasing a brazen daylight shooting at a service station in Sydney's Surry Hills, resulting in a man's tragic death. The incident unfolded as two masked gunmen targeted Niddal Acherkouk, who had past ties to organized crime, raising significant questions about safety in the area. Witnesses described chaos as locals enjoyed their Friday night, oblivious to the violence that erupted just moments away. Police are actively pursuing the assailants, emphasizing that this was a deliberate attack, though they assure the public that no broader threat exists.
Shocking video footage has recently emerged, depicting the harrowing moment when two gunmen attacked a service station in a posh area of Sydney, leading to the death of a man. The incident occurred at around 7:45 PM on a Friday evening, at the BP Service Station located at the intersection of Cleveland Street and Crown Street in Surry Hills.
In the footage, one of the assailants is seen wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt and matching tracksuit pants, while the other is cloaked in a dark rain cape. The video captures the moment when the pair approached their target, Niddal Acherkouk, who was seated in his vehicle. Reports indicate that Acherkouk, believed to be in his 30s and known to have affiliations with organized crime, was ambushed as he sat in his car. The shooter, adorned in a rain cape, appeared to wield firearms in both hands, opening fire on Acherkouk while he remained inside the vehicle.
After sustaining a gunshot wound, Acherkouk managed to escape from the car and fled on foot down Cleveland Street, ultimately collapsing near Baptist Street, where he was later pronounced dead. "He exited his vehicle and made his way down Cleveland Street, heading west up to a location near Baptist Street on Cleveland Street, where he unfortunately succumbed to his injuries," explained NSW Police Superintendent Andrew Garner.
Subsequent to the shooting, authorities located a Porsche engulfed in flames in a nearby Kensington area, which police believe may be connected to the violent incident. The police stated that Acherkouk had been present with a young child at the time of the shooting, elevating the horror of the act.
The gunmen responsible for this attack remain at large, but police have indicated that this was a targeted assault. Despite the crime's severity, authorities reassured the public that there is no ongoing threat to their safety. "The individual who suffered fatal injuries had known connections to organized crime; thus, we conclude that he was specifically targeted in this attack," Superintendent Garner remarked. He added a warning to the perpetrators, saying, “This shocking act demonstrates a blatant disregard for the well-being of the community around that area at the time... we will track you down."
Witnesses described the pandemonium that ensued in the typically sociable atmosphere of a bustling Sydney night. One bystander recounted, "I was in an Uber trying to get home, and Crown Street was filled with patrons and diners who were completely unaware of the chaos. However, as we neared Cleveland Street, it was evident that something significant had transpired." The individual further elaborated, "I have never witnessed so many police vehicles; the roads were shut down, traffic was rerouted, and it was absolute chaos."
A business owner on Crown Street recounted hearing multiple gunshots, describing them as "big bangs, one after the other, in rapid succession." Panic spread, prompting shouts of "we are under attack" from the crowd. A mother, frightened for her children, rushed into a nearby store, insisting that they "close the door now."
In the wake of the tragedy, more than a dozen police vehicles responded to the scene, backed by a police helicopter that circled overhead. The sudden eruption of violence captured the attention of revelers leaving nearby pubs, leading many to rush towards the chaos. Businesses in the area, including Harris Farm, actively urged customers to leave, with some shuttering their doors early for safety.
Emergency services were dispatched to Baptist Street, close to Cleveland Street, shortly after reports of gunfire emerged at approximately 7:45 PM. Upon reaching the scene, officers from the Surry Hills Police Area Command discovered a man, later confirmed to be in his 30s, suffering from a gunshot wound. Emergency medical personnel and first responders administered aid at the site, yet the man succumbed to his injuries shortly thereafter.
A crime scene was promptly established, and an investigation into the shooting commenced. The police have called on anyone with information to come forward by contacting Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000.
Previously, Acherkouk had been involved in a disturbing incident where three men attempted to abduct him. Last year, as he exited a gym in Punchbowl, a man wearing a balaclava charged at him, leading to a struggle as the car they were in crashed into a storefront. Investigations into that event revealed that three individuals, all wearing balaclavas, fled the scene in a white van.
The recent events in Surry Hills not only highlight the dangers posed by organized crime but also underscore the need for increased vigilance and safety measures in our communities.
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