An investigation has been launched after a body was located in a burnt-out car following a kidnapping in Sydney's south west overnight.
About 10.30pm yesterday (Thursday 17 April 2025), police were called to a home in Bankstown, following reports of a kidnapping.
Officers attached to Bankstown Police Area Command arrived and were told a group of unknown people had forced their way into home before kidnapping a 45-year-old woman.
During the incident police were told the kidnappers – who were armed with a firearm – assaulted an eight-year-old boy with a baseball bat before forcing the woman into an SUV.
The boy was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics for serious head injuries before being taken to hospital for further treatment.
A 15-year-old boy who was also in the home at the time was taken to hospital for assessment.
Both boys are known to the woman.
About 11.30pm, emergency services were called to Welfare Avenue, Beverley Hills, following reports of a car fire.
Fire and Rescue NSW crews extinguished the blaze; however, the vehicle was destroyed.
Following an examination of the vehicle, police located a body.
The body is yet to be formally identified but is suspected to be the 45-year-old Bankstown woman.
A crime scene was established at both locations and officers from Bankstown Police Area Command – with the assistance of detectives attached to State Crime Command's Homicide Squad and Campsie Police Area Command – commenced Strike Force Bushfield to the investigate the incident.
As inquiries continue, anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au Information is managed on a confidential basis. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
