mother was among a number of relatives inside the home at the time of the shooting and police were planning to interview her.

"The family's deeply traumatised by this shooting," Superintendent McLean said.

One of Mr Arja's sisters, who has been comforting her mother all morning, said: "He is a good boy, a humble boy".

One cousin who lives on the same street said she heard eight gunshots.

Witnesses said at least two people were seen running from the home.

A large number of grieving relatives and friends rushed to the street last night, and friends took to Facebook to pay tribute to the 28-year-old.

"Allah yerhamak," said one, which in Arabic means may Allah have mercy on your soul.

"May the eyes of the cowards never sleep," the friend said.

Cousins who have gathered atthe scene said Mr Arja loved the water and was always taking his boat and jetski out.

"Whenever the weather was good, he'd be out on the water," said a friend.

His future brother-in-law's boat is still parked out the front of the house.

Mr Arja owned a tobacconist shop in Punchbowl and worked long hours, family members said.

"If you ask a favour of him, he'd always say yes, he's very kind," said one family member.

A woman who lives opposite the house where the shooting occurred said she woke to three bangs, and initially thought it was her Christmas lights popping.

"I heard 'Bang, bang, bang'. I didn't really know what was going on," said the neighbour, who asked not to be identified.

"I thought maybe it was my Christmas lights exploding. Then