NSW: Gunman fires up to 100 shots at police

AAP General News (Australia)
08-25-2000
NSW: Gunman fires up to 100 shots at police

A gunman holed up in a south coast house has fired up to 100 shots at police, forcing
officers behind their cars in a three-hour ordeal.

Police say the man's wife and his two children had fled the house on the outskirts
of Dapto, near Wollongong, where a standoff and negotiations are continuing.

Dapto Police inspector ALAN BLAKE has described the situation as dangerous but contained.

Inspector BLAKE says a man inside the house fired a large number of shots at police last night.

Two police cars arrived at the scene shortly before 9pm (AEST) last night, after answering
an emergency call reporting a domestic incident.

Police say the man, armed with what are believed to be three high powered guns including
a 357 Magnum pistol, began firing at two officers, peppering their car with bullets.

The officers from the other car took refuge in a neighbouring house where they found
the man's wife, who had suffered injuries from an assault, and two children.

The police, woman, children and ambulance officers made it to safety after about an
hour and the woman is being treated in hospital.

Meanwhile, police have evacuated houses and closed off three or four neighbouring streets,
and the train line between Albion Park and Dapto has been closed off.

Police say no one was injured in the gunfire.

AAP RTV jjs/jtb

KEYWORD: SHOTS (SYDNEY)

2000 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.