Police say dramatic Perth siege was ‘not a random incident’

A man who held five people hostage with a replica handgun at a Perth home overnight knew at least one of his captives, according to West Australian police.

Police said they responded to multiple calls to triple zero received at about 9.15pm (AWST) concerning a man with a firearm inside a house on Samson Street in Mosman Park.

The 26-year-old man is in a critical condition in the Intensive Care Unit of the Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital with serious injuries after being shot by police and requires surgery.

Assistant Commissioner Michelle Fyfe confirmed the man was shot once in the face and once in the upper body after refusing to put his gun down.

The hostages - three men aged between 21 and 25 and two women aged 22 and 59 – had their hands and feet bound with cable ties during the terrifying ordeal.

She said early investigations suggested the attacker knew at least one of the hostages.  

“This was not a random incident,” Ms Fyfe said.

“We believe the man in question knew at least one of the occupants inside.

“He was prepared when he went to the house for what was to unfold.”

The Assistant Commissioner said a ballistics expert was need to determine the handgun had been a replica.  

“It was a very, very real looking firearm,” Ms Fyfe said.

The man is yet to be interviewed by police but is facing a raft of serious charges, including deprivation of liberty, assault and being armed to cause fear.

Ms Fyfe confirmed the fact the weapon was a replica had no impact on the alleged offences.

Witnesses reported hearing police yell "put the gun down" at least twice before hearing two gunshots.

Ms Fyfe said it appeared officers had followed procedure in shooting the man, who refused to drop the weapon when requested.

The hostages did not suffer any serious physical injuries and are cooperating with detectives.

The street was placed in lockdown during the police operation and the area around the home remains a crime scene.

The street has since reopened to residents while forensics scour the scene.

The Internal Affairs Unit will oversee an investigation into police actions.