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Semi-auto rifle seized by Sydney police

Police have seized a modified military grade semi automatic rifle and used new powers to search homes as they continue to battle Sydney gun crime.

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Source: AAP


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A modified semi-automatic rifle similar to those used in mass shootings has been seized from a southwest Sydney home believed to be linked to the Brothers 4 Life gang.

The SKS assault rifle, which can't be legally purchased in Australia, was found hidden in bushes in the backyard of a Liverpool home raided on Friday by police investigating the notorious street gang.

The military-grade weapon's grip had been cut down to make concealment easier, while a 30-round magazine and cash were also seized.

"It's a pistol grip, you can shoot from the waist," Detective Inspector Steve Patton said.

NSW police Deputy Commissioner Nick Kaldas said the rifle was "very dangerous."

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"You don't have to stop and reload," he said.

"When we have seen mass-shooting incidents in the US and other places, usually this type of weapon is involved."

A 29-year-old man thought to be connected to the gang was at the home during the search.

Police say inquiries into his activities are continuing.

The rifle will "be subject to fairly vigorous forensic examination" to determine if it's been used in any crimes, Mr Kaldas told reporters.

Police arrested 11 members of the Brothers 4 Life in the past week and all are in custody, but Mr Kaldas said police weren't finished.

"Brothers 4 Life were and continue to be a strong focus for us and until such time as we feel that we have broken the back of them we will continue doing what we are doing," he said.

A Brothers 4 Life member wanted over a shooting at Bankstown on November 7 was arrested on Thursday night at a home in Ermington.

The 27-year-old man was taken to Parramatta Police Station and charged with a string of offences, including three counts of attempted murder. He was refused bail and will appear before Burwood Local Court in January.

Four gang members were previously arrested a few hours after the shooting, in which police allege at least two people were shot, and a loaded weapon recovered.

Police used new powers on Thursday to raid the homes of four men allegedly associated with Assyrian street gangs DLAST HR and True Kings, and one bikie associate.

Ammunition for a 9mm calibre gun and three extendable batons were taken from the Casula home of a 23-year-old gang member.

Under the new laws, which passed parliament on November 1, anyone served with a firearm prohibition order is banned from acquiring, possessing or using a firearm or ammunition.

Police can also search the person, home and vehicle of anyone served such an order without a warrant.


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