Fears of underworld retaliation as Surry Hills gunmen remain on the run

Police are bracing for underworld retaliation as the search continues for two killers who gunned down a 30-year-old man in Sydney’s CBD over the weekend.

Emergency services were called to Baptist Street in Surry Hills, near Cleveland Street, following reports of shots fired about 7.45pm on Friday.

Police said the man, identified as Nidal Acherkouk, was shot while sitting alone in his car at a BP service station nearby.

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CCTV shows the moment two armed shadowy figures ambush the man in his car.

The victim then fled to Bathurst Street, but collapsed and died of his injuries in front of pub and restaurant patrons.

Police believe the gunmen went to lengths to conceal their identity by wearing a mask, as well as a black ponchos to disguise their shape and figure.

Former NSW Police officer Glenn Gorrick said it begs belief a member of the public wasn’t injured in the attack.

“It’s an absolute miracle,” he told Today.

Gorrick said the shooting being carried out in a public place was not only brazen, but a warning to other members of organised crime.

“I have good confidence that there’s going to be more retaliatory behaviour by these criminal gangs,” he said.

“It’s all over drug territory, it’s all over family issues. It’s just been going on for so long.”

Yesterday, police said the attack was “meticulously well-planned” with both men dressed head-to-toe in black with no skin showing

Police also located a Porsche set alight at a nearby unit complex on Kensington Road in Kensington, and initial inquiries suggest the two incidents are linked.

Superintendent Andrew Garner said the victim had linked to “organised crime entities”.

“This was an outrageous incident and it demonstrated a high level of reckless indifference to the public that were around that area at the time,” Garner said.

“We’re working very hard to identify and arrest those involved … we’re coming for you.” 

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