Emergency services were called to a Villawood carpark early Sunday after reports raised serious concerns for a man’s welfare, leading to a disturbing discovery. A 29-year-old man was found tied up inside the boot of a car, suffering multiple injuries, prompting a major police investigation that now spans several western Sydney suburbs.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community, with detectives working to piece together how the man was kidnapped, assaulted and left in the vehicle overnight.
What we know so far
Police were called to a carpark along Woodville Road, Villawood, about 6.50am on Sunday, January 4.
Officers from Bankstown Police Area Command arrived to find a man restrained in the boot of a Toyota sedan.
The 29-year-old had suffered stab wounds, burns and other assault-related injuries to his legs and head.
He was treated at the scene by paramedics before being taken to hospital, where he remains in a stable condition.
A crime scene was immediately established, and Cumberland Police Area Command detectives have taken over the investigation.
Timeline or sequence of events
Police believe the man was kidnapped the previous afternoon from Military Road in Guildford.
Investigators say the abduction likely occurred between 4pm and 5pm on Saturday, January 3.
At some point after the alleged kidnapping, the man was assaulted and placed in the boot of the vehicle.
Several hours later, emergency services were alerted to concerns for welfare at the Villawood carpark, leading to the discovery just before 7am.
While at the scene, police and paramedics also assisted with an unrelated incident involving a child accidentally locked inside a car. The child was not injured.
Local impact
The police operation caused disruptions along parts of Woodville Road on Sunday morning, with motorists advised to avoid the area while investigations were underway.
Residents in Villawood and nearby Guildford reported a visible police presence, including forensic officers examining the vehicle and surrounding carpark.
The incident has raised safety concerns among locals, particularly those living or working near Military Road and surrounding industrial and residential areas.
Official response
NSW Police have confirmed detectives from Cumberland Police Area Command are conducting extensive inquiries into the alleged kidnapping and assault.
Police are working to establish how the victim came to be taken from Guildford and who may be responsible for the attack.
Authorities have not ruled out the involvement of multiple offenders and are urging anyone with information to come forward.
What happens next
Detectives are expected to review CCTV footage from Guildford, Villawood and surrounding suburbs.
Police will also examine the Toyota sedan and conduct forensic testing to determine how long the man was held.
Investigators are appealing for witnesses who may have seen suspicious activity on Military Road on Saturday afternoon.
As the victim recovers in hospital, police say further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
Residents are encouraged to check back for updates as more details emerge and to read our related local crime and safety coverage for ongoing developments across Sydney’s west.