I'm Jordy Wright for 7NEWS Australia. A family in Melbourne’s west has been left shaken after three hooded men smashed into their Werribee home and opened fire. In this report I outline what happened, how the family responded and what police are doing now.
Table of Contents
- What happened — a minute-long attack
- Family response and impact
- Police action and ongoing investigation
- Community safety — practical steps
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Conclusion
What happened — a minute-long attack
Police believe the three males followed the family to their Werribee address just before 9pm, launching an assault about 10 minutes later. The trio, described as hooded and armed with a machete, a gun and what appeared to be a hammer, forced their way to the front of the property.
They smashed every front window and fired two shots into a bedroom. One resident sleeping in the room narrowly avoided being struck — glass shattered above his bed and a bullet passed close to his head. Other family members took shelter in a bathroom as the attack unfolded.
The assault lasted less than a minute. After firing, the trio quickly jumped into a getaway car and fled the scene. Police have said they are investigating and, at the time of reporting, no arrests had been made.
Family response and impact
The targeted home housed six people. It is understood the intended target was a teenage boy who lives at the property. Understandably, the family told 7NEWS they no longer feel safe and plan to move out of the house they’ve called home for the past five years.
"People with guns, they're roaming around freely, right? So it's a bit scary for the people here."
Neighbours learned about the incident when locals' children alerted family members. One neighbour described feeling terrified when told the attack involved a friend’s house.
Police action and ongoing investigation
Victoria Police are treating the assault as a serious, targeted incident. Investigators believe the offenders followed the family home before the attack. Detectives will be examining CCTV, forensic evidence from the scene and seeking witness statements to identify and charge those responsible.
At the time of publication there have been no arrests. Police are appealing for anyone with information, dashcam footage or CCTV that could assist the investigation to come forward.
Community safety — practical steps
After an incident like this, residents understandably feel vulnerable. Practical steps to improve safety include:
- Contacting police immediately if you see suspicious vehicles or people in your neighbourhood.
- Reviewing and securing entry points: locks, gates and alarm systems.
- Checking and registering home CCTV and dashcam footage with police if something occurs.
- Talking with neighbours and establishing a neighbourhood watch or informal alert group.
- Considering temporary relocation if you or your family feel unsafe while police investigate.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Was anyone killed or seriously injured?
No deaths were reported. One resident narrowly avoided being hit when glass shattered above his bed and a bullet passed close to his head. Other family members sheltered and there were no confirmed serious injuries reported to 7NEWS.
When did the attack take place?
The incident occurred just after 9pm, with police believing the suspects followed the family home beforehand and launched the assault roughly 10 minutes later.
Who was targeted?
Police and the family say the intended target was a teenage boy who lives at the property.
Have any arrests been made?
No arrests had been reported at the time of this article. Victoria Police continue to investigate.
What should neighbours do if they have information?
Anyone with information, dashcam footage or CCTV that could assist the investigation should contact Victoria Police or Crime Stoppers. If you see dangerous activity in progress, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
Conclusion
This violent, targeted attack has left a Werribee family fearing for their safety and planning to leave the home they’ve lived in for five years. The quick, brazen nature of the assault is being treated with urgency by police. If you witnessed anything or have footage that might help, please contact authorities — community information can be vital in bringing offenders to justice.
For full coverage and updates, watch the report above from 7NEWS Australia.
