Rooftop escape as flatmate shot in arm

A MAN has told how he jumped from his apartment balcony to escape a gunman who shot his flatmate.

The 27-year-old victim was shot in the right shoulder at a unit in The Corso, near Darley Road in Manly, about 5.15am yesterday.

He managed to stagger from the building, before collapsing on the pavement outside the Ivanhoe Hotel.

Luke, who did not want to give his surname, said he was woken by gunfire. "I'm the one who got out," he said.

"It's crazy. Someone came in and shot my mate; he came into my flat.

"Bad things happened in that flat. I heard the gunshot and I climbed out over the balcony onto a roof and called the police."

Luke said he did not know the intruder and he was praying his friend would be all right.

Manly police are still investigating the shooting, but they say the gunman was known to his victim.

Sources say the dispute may have been over a woman.

A police helicopter and the dog squad searched an area near Avona Crescent, Seaforth, soon after the shooting but neither the assailant nor a weapon had been found by last night.

Detective Inspector David Walton warned the public not to approach the suspect.

"If police can be contacted immediately, we will take it from there," he said. "Inquiries are continuing and a number of witnesses have been interviewed."

The gunman has been described as being of white/European appearance, aged 25 to 30, 175-180 centimetres, of medium to solid build, with brown hair and a fair complexion.

He was wearing blue clothing, including a blue, hooded jumper.

The victim was taken to Royal North Shore Hospital, where he underwent surgery and was last night said to be stable.

Ted, from Manly Delicatessen next door to the unit, said: "I knew it would happen. It was just a matter of when. I informed the landlord that there are bad elements around, hanging out here, scaring the customers."

Anyone with information should call triple 0 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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