Detectives investigating a Hobart firearms incident can now confirm an unregistered SKS semi-automatic rifle was used to discharge approximately 20 shots into the door of Pablo’s Cocktails and Dreams early Sunday morning, Tasmania Police say.

A police investigation is ongoing to determine the origin of the rifle and ammunition which were located by police during a search of the area shortly after the incident.

“It is concerning that a rifle of this calibre was carried and used in the Hobart CBD,” said Inspector Adrian Bodnar.

“I assure members of the community that the ongoing police investigation is thorough and following particular lines of enquiry that strongly suggest this incident was targeted.”

As part of the ongoing police investigation police urge anyone who saw two people acting suspiciously or running in the area of Harrington Lane, Harrington Street, and Bathurst Street around 12.06am Sunday morning to contact police or Crime Stoppers anonymously.

Investigators are particularly keen to speak with two potential witnesses who were standing on the intersection of Bathurst Street and Watchorn Street, and then walked west on Bathurst Street. A potential third witness briefly crossed the road to a laneway adjacent to Elite Appliances before returning to the group.

The first offender was described as:

male up to 40 years of age

red facial hair

173cm – 182cm tall

thick set/muscly build

wearing a long sleeve black top, black tradies trousers and black boots.

The second was described as wearing a dark or grey coloured top and dark jeans.

Anyone who has dash-cam footage of the Harrington and Bathurst Street areas around the time of the incident, or information in relation to the incident itself, is asked to contact Hobart CIB on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperstas.com.au

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