NSW Police Detective Superintendent Grant Healey described the shooting as “abhorrent” and labelled the shooters “cowards”.

“It’s tragic. Your mother and the grandmother of your children’s been shot by cowards that stood out the front of her house,” he said. Duncan had lived at the house for between six and eight weeks.

Two other people in the home – Duncan’s 34-year-old son and a 21-year-old woman – were uninjured. It is not clear who was the target of the shooting.

Neighbour Shaun Burridge told Sunrise: “When we first come out, the son was in the backyard screaming out that his mum’s just been shot, so he was pretty terrified and, yeah, looks lost.”

Strike Force Apslawn has been launched to investigate the shooting. Police have described the first man as Caucasian, about 180 centimetres tall with thin build, and in his 30s. They say the second is Middle Eastern in appearance, about 185 centimetres tall with an athletic build, and also in his 30s.

The third is described as Pacific Islander in appearance, about 180 centimetres tall with a large build, and in his 20s.

Police have urged anyone with information about the men or the vehicles, including dashcam or CCTV footage, to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

with Riley Walter and Perry Duffin

Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.