Sydney shooting ‘linked to terrorism’

NSW Police reveal shooter was a 15-year-old boy of an Iraqi-Kurdish background, urging anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Vision courtesy ABC News.

The man shot by a 15-year-old gunman outside NSW police headquarters, accountant Curtis Cheng, was simply on his way home for the weekend when he died, NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione says.

Mr Cheng, 58, worked for the NSW Police finance and business services division and had been employed by the force for 17 years. He was married with two adult children.

Curtis Cheng, left, and his family.Curtis Cheng, left, and his family.

“He was a much loved man, been with us a long time,” Mr Scipione said. “I don’t  think I’ve ever heard anyone have a bad word about Curtis.”

Mr Scipione was to meet Mr Cheng’s family on Saturday. He said the entire NSW Police Force family was in mourning.

“Curtis was admired and respected by his colleagues. He was a gentle man in every sense,” he said. “What has occurred is shocking and it is a very sad time for those who worked closely with him and all our employees.”

NSW Premier Mike Baird paid tribute to Mr Cheng and gave his condolences to his family.

“He sounds a wonderful man, very much loved by family and friends and indeed the police community,” Mr Baird said.

“We can’t forget that the police community are deeply impacted by this.

“A colleague and friend – it is going to hurt and hurt very deeply.”

Mr Cheng was shot once from behind at close range by a 15-year-old boy at 4.30pm on Friday.

The boy then continued to fire his handgun before he was shot dead by one of three special constables who responded to the shooting.

Mr Scipione said that police had no warning of the attack and that the 15-year-old, of Iraqi-Kurdish background and born in Iran, had not been on the police radar, nor had he any criminal history.