Police strongly suspect the body found inside a burnt car in Sydney's south-west this morning is that of a 45-year-old woman who was kidnapped at gunpoint hours earlier in a brutal home invasion.
Officers were first called to a home in Bankstown at 10.30pm after reports that a 45-year-old woman had been kidnapped from her home.
A 15-year-old boy, who was inside the home at the time, told police that a group of five masked men forced their way into the home. At least one was armed with a baseball bat and another with a gun.
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An eight-year-old boy was assaulted with a baseball bat during the incident and the woman was forced into a dark-coloured SUV.
Police understand that at least two cars pulled up outside the home, with the other car described as a white sedan.
An hour later, police were called to Welfare Avenue in Beverly Hills following reports of a car fire.
A body was located in the back seat of the car during an examination of the burnt-out vehicle.
The body is yet to be formally identified but Superintendent Rodney Hart said police believe it's the 45-year-old woman.
Police do not know if the deceased had been killed prior to the fire.
He also said the car was a similar model to the dark coloured SUV spotted during the kidnapping in Bankstown.
"Although identification at this case is impossible, we strongly believe and suspect unfortunately… the body is that of the 45-year-old woman," Hart said.
Hart called the crime "horrendous" and said it displayed an "unheard of" level of violence.
He also assured the community that there was no further danger, as police believe it was a targeted kidnapping.
The woman's husband was interstate on business at the time of the attack. He has spoken to police and is on his way back to Sydney.
Hart said the investigation is fresh and officers are working off limited information.
"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.
The eight-year-old was treated for serious head injuries by paramedics and has been taken to hospital for treatment.
He underwent emergency surgery this morning. He remains in a serious yet stable condition in an induced coma.
Hart said keeping the children safe and supported is a main priority for police.
"We have detectives with them. We have the resources, the care resources from the hospital with them.
"We will do everything we can with their support and their safety."
The 15-year-old boy has been taken to hospital for assessment.
Anyone with any information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
