Shootings and arson attacks across Sydney's west over 24 hours were linked on Wednesday to Iziah Utai, the son of former Canterbury-Bankstown winger Matt Utai.
The 2004 NRL premiership winner was ambushed and shot outside his home in Greenacre, in southwest Sydney, about 6am on Tuesday as he was about to drive to work.
He underwent surgery after being left with serious leg wounds from the attack and remains in hospital.
"We believe all the offences are targeting one particular family. That's the linkage between those offences," NSW Police organised crime squad boss Brad Abdy told reporters on Wednesday.
"It's upsetting and concerning (that) innocent, hard-working people were suddenly caught up in this particular spate of violence for no reason."
He described the shootings and arson attacks as "ridiculously disgusting offences".
Overnight, shots were fired at a home in outer western Sydney about 12.45am.
A woman aged in her 50s was inside the St Clair residence but not injured.
Another car was found on fire in a nearby suburb.
Unverified footage of alleged offenders taunting the younger Utai before firing off several shots have circulated on social media.
An underworld-focused media outlet also reported the Alameddine crime family was "at war" with a group dubbed the Coconut Cartel, sharing a message purportedly from the "one and only crime family".
"To the rat Ziggy Utai and hi (sic) joke of a cartel ... This is just the start its a losing battle for you and anyone that dares to come against us," one message read.
Detective Acting Superintendent Abdy said Iziah Utai was the intended target because of his association with "criminal entities".
The younger Utai is believed in an unknown location overseas.
Wednesday's shooting was followed by an arson attack hours later in Guilford West, near Parramatta.
A house and vehicle were set alight and promptly put out by firefighters, with no injuries reported.
Police have set up a task force to crack down on the escalating gang violence, furnishing it with more than 100 investigators.
Matt Utai starred in the 2004 NRL grand final, scoring two tries as his Bulldogs knocked off the Sydney Roosters.
His former club said it was deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the shooting.
The New Zealand and Samoa international played 167 NRL games, joining the Wests Tigers in 2011 and spending three seasons with the club.
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