NSW Police pull men from crashed car in south-west Sydney

A carload of men from Victoria were on their way to Bondi Beach in Sydney’s south-west when they were stopped by heavily armed tactical police, possibly armed, for unknown reasons.

The men were driving a white hatchback with Victoria number plates in Liverpool when they were attacked by the Tactical Operations Unit (TOU).

Clad in camouflage and heavily armed with guns drawn, TOU pulled the five men onto the trail and handcuffed them with zip ties. Some of the men were seen injured and bleeding.

Sources with knowledge of the unfolding operation who were not allowed to speak publicly said a gun may have been found in the car, but this has not been confirmed.

The men’s purpose was also unclear. Sources said the group was flagged because it was known to authorities in Victoria.

A second hatchback, also with Victorian registration plates, was stopped a few streets away and the two men were arrested.

In a statement shortly after 8.15pm, NSW Police said the operation had ended and there was no ongoing risk to the community.

“Police have not identified any link to the current police investigation into the Bondi terror attack,” the statement said.