A 45-year-old mother was abducted from her home in Bankstown, Sydney, in front of her two young sons, before her body was found burned inside a car less than an hour later. The shocking crime has shaken the community and prompted a massive police investigation.
Late-Night Kidnapping Turns Deadly
Around 10:30 p.m. on Thursday, police were called to the woman’s home after five masked men wearing balaclavas stormed into the house. One of the men was reportedly armed with a gun, and another had a baseball bat.
In front of her sons, aged 8 and 15, the woman was forcibly dragged out of her home and pushed into a dark-coloured SUV.
Tragically, within just one hour, emergency services were alerted to a car on fire on Welfare Avenue in Beverly Hills, around 10 minutes away from the abduction site.
Authorities believe the burnt body found inside is the missing mother, though formal identification is pending.
Young Boy in Coma After Attack
During the home invasion, the 8-year-old boy was severely beaten with a baseball bat. He was taken to the hospital in critical condition and is currently in an induced coma after emergency surgery.
His older brother, aged 15, also received medical care and is being monitored.
Their father, who was away on a business trip, has since returned and is by his son’s bedside.
Police Investigating Motive, Say Family Was Not Known to Them
Superintendent Rodney Hart described the crime as “horrendous” and displaying an “unheard-of level of violence.”
“We strongly suspect the body found in the vehicle is the 45-year-old woman. We don’t know the motive at this stage,” Hart said.
The family is not known to police, and officials say they are still trying to understand whether the case is linked to organised crime or gang activity.
CCTV Shows Terrifying Moment of Abduction
CCTV footage has emerged showing the masked suspects pulling up in at least two vehicles, including a white sedan, and forcibly taking the woman. The footage is now being examined as part of the investigation.
Police are reviewing surveillance video from the areas of Bankstown to Beverly Hills, and forensic teams have dusted the home for fingerprints.
Neighbours Shocked by Violence
Neighbours have expressed shock and sadness over the incident. One neighbour said she would often greet the mother but didn’t know the family well.
“Her kids were always inside. I feel so sad for her and her children,” she said.
Another neighbour near the car fire described hearing a loud bang and saw the vehicle engulfed in flames. His son immediately called Triple Zero (000) to alert authorities.
Police: Crime Appears Targeted
Superintendent Hart assured the public that the attack appears to be targeted, not random.
“Our main focus now is the two children — their safety and well-being are our top priorities,” he said.
Police are currently searching for the five masked suspects and are asking anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000.