Trent Speering, 40, from Blaxland. and his mother Monica Speering, 72, were found dead from gunshot wounds in different parts of the house where Mrs Speering had lived for more than 30 years.

At 1.35pm, police were called to the house in Torrs Street after receiving information that an armed man inside had made threats.

Police roadblocked the quiet street and the tactical operations unit, negotiators, covert crew and two ambulances were called. At least 20 heavily armed officers also gathered in a nearby car park.

At 5.30pm, police entered the house and found the bodies of Mr Speering and his mother. A crime scene was established.

A neighbour who wished to remain anonymous said Mrs Speering lived a solitary life, seldom venturing outdoors after losing her husband ``some years ago''.

The neighbour said she had ``several children'' in their forties, was quiet, and didn't have many visitors.

``She just came out to put her garbage out,'' he said.

``I've never actually spoken to her in the 12 years I've lived here.''

The neighbour said he noticed a car he had never seen before outside her home on Tuesday night.

Mili Lee, who lives in a street nearby, was called by Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School to pick up her child at 2.15pm.

``We were told to wait on the other side of the road for our own safety because the situation involved a gun.'' Mrs Lee said. ``Police cars kept coming. It was like a movie unfolding in front of you.''

At 6.30pm, the police allowed residents to return to their homes and cars to enter the street.

There has been a post mortem and Castle Hill police have formed Strikeforce Nareen to compile a brief of evidence for the coroner.