A phone tip-off from a vigilant 13-year-old boy enabled police to thwart a potential threat in Sydney’s western suburbs, leading to the arrest of three individuals.

This development emerges as authorities continue their search for a fourth suspect, who remains at large after an attempted escape. Police have issued a caution, stating that the man should be considered “armed and dangerous.”

Authorities responded to Regina Street in Greystanes around 5:15 p.m. yesterday following reports of four individuals wearing balaclavas inside a black SUV.

It has been revealed by 9News that the alert was raised by the young boy, who spotted the suspicious group.

The three men apprehended at the scene have been identified as Rodger Tell, 19, Madgy Hassan, 20, and Kanu Bringi, 22.

The school student allegedly spotted the men wearing ski masks in the stolen Mercedes before filming the moment.

Police were called and arrived shortly thereafter, before a pursuit began. 

Police will allege the SUV reached speeds of up to 80km/h in 50km/h streets.

The car allegedly also drove on the wrong side of the road and through multiple sets of red lights.

“I was just out the front, and a car flew past and the next thing you know three cop cars are chasing it, sirens are going,” a witness told 9News.

The SUV hit a parked car in Paton Street in Merrylands West and the occupants fled on foot.

Two men were arrested a short time later after a foot chase, while a third was arrested with the assistance of PolAir and the canine unit.

“Police were everywhere, running into the park, sirens blaring,” another witness told 9News.

Detective Superintendent Simon Glasser said the third man had been found in the backyard of a nearby property.

Police allegedly seized a loaded sawn-off shotgun from under the driver’s seat of the SUV, while two jerry cans were found in the car’s rear.

“What the vehicle was being used for is still under investigation, however, it’s quite obvious that we’ve disrupted some further serious crime,” Glasser said.

He said the investigation had not so far turned up any links to previous offences.

Checks allegedly revealed the car was stolen from Balwyn in Melbourne.

Three men, aged 19, 20, and 22, have been charged with weapons and stolen car offences.

The fourth occupant of the vehicle remains on the run.

Glasser said the man was of African appearance and believed to be aged between 18 and his early 20s.

He said the man should be considered “armed and dangerous” as police were unsure if he had any further access to firearms.

The three men in custody are known to police, Glasser said.

Two of the men had their matters adjourned, while the accused driver had his bail refused.

”He’s entered pleas of not guilty at this stage, so we’ll continue with the court process,” lawyer Ibrahim Sweedan said.