A MUM was kidnapped in front of her two children by a gang of masked men before her body was found in a burnt-out car just an hour later.
Five masked men, one carrying a firearm and another holding a baseball bat, forcibly took a 45-year-old woman from her Sydney residence late Thursday night, according to the authorities.
The chilling abduction unfolded in front of her sons, aged eight and 15.
The younger boy is now fighting for his life after being savagely beaten with a baseball bat during the home invasion.
He has been in an induced coma after undergoing emergency surgery.
His older brother was also taken to hospital for assessment.
Police were first called to the home in Bankstown at 10.30pm.
Within an hour, emergency services were battling a car blaze just 10 minutes away on Welfare Avenue in Beverly Hills.
Officials said the body is believed to be that of the kidnapped mum, was discovered in the back seat, Australian outlet 9News reports.
Superintendent Rodney Hart stated that although confirming the identity in this situation is challenging, there are strong indications that the victim is the 45-year-old woman.
He added the “horrendous” crime displayed an “unheard of” level of violence.
Superintendent Hart also said the dark-coloured SUV used in the kidnapping matched the car model found torched at the second crime scene.
“We don’t know what the motive is, we don’t know too much about the family they are not well known to police at all,” Hart said.
Horrific CCTV footage has since emerged showing the moment the masked gang stormed the woman’s home and forcibly bundled her into the vehicle.
Police are combing through surveillance from Bankstown to Beverly Hills and across surrounding suburbs.
At least two cars were seen pulling up outside the home during the terrifying raid, including a white sedan.
A neighbour living in a granny flat behind the family’s home said she had no idea what had happened until police arrived on Friday.
“Sometimes I just say hi,” she said.
“They have two boys. Her kids are always inside. They do not play with my girls. I feel sad for her and for her children.”
The woman’s husband was interstate on business at the time of the attack and has since returned to be by his son’s hospital bedside.
Investigators have dusted the house for fingerprints, and crime scenes remain in place in both Bankstown and Beverly Hills.
Superintendent Hart assured the community the horror attack appeared to be targeted.
“We don’t know what the motive is, we don’t know too much about the family, they are not well known to police at all,” he said.
“We don’t know if it’s organised crime, we don’t know if it’s gang related.”
He further mentioned that the main concern of the authorities is the well-being and safety of the woman’s two children. Every effort will be made to ensure their welfare and security with full support and protection.
A neighbour across the street from the burning car said he heard “a loud bang” and saw a vehicle “engulfed in flames”.
The man told Daily Mail Australia: “My son saw it also. He was the one who called Triple Zero.
“He was on the phone for quite some time telling them what happened.”
Police are still hunting the five masked suspects and urge anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
