NSW police in shock over cop's death

SYDNEY - The entire NSW police force is in shock after the death of plain clothes constable Bill Crews, NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione says.

Constable Crews, 26, was shot in the head during a drugs raid in Bankstown, in Sydney's southwest, on Wednesday night.

But police confirmed on Thursday that no drugs were found at the property in Cairds Avenue after the raid.

Two guns were seized, however, and two men have been charged over the incident.

A 55-year-old man from Bankstown has been charged with shooting with intent to murder and a 27-year-old man from Chester Hill has been charged with possession of an unauthorised firearm.

"Last night's tragic event is a very stark and timely reminder of the dangers officers face every day," Mr Scipione told reporters at Bankstown police station on Thursday.

"Constable Crews was typical of thousands of dedicated, committed officers who put their own safety and welfare on the line every day.

"Today his family is without a son and a brother.

"His fellow officers are without a colleague.

"More importantly our state has lost one of its finest."

Mr Scipione said he understood Constable Crews' father also worked in the police force.

"I can tell you Constable Crews' colleagues showed extraordinary bravery and composure under duress to render first aid to Constable Crews, while at the same time arresting several people and securing the crime scene and putting a perimeter in place," he said.

"Despite the very best efforts of police and ambulance officers on the scene ... Constable Crews' injuries were very grave and he died last night, just after midnight."

Constable Crews, who had been a police officer for three years, was with the Middle Eastern Organised Crime Squad on a raid based on police intelligence when he was shot about 9pm (AEST) on Wednesday.

Police say it appears he was shot just outside the property involved in the raid.

About half a dozen officers were involved in the operation, which was an average number for that type of operation, Mr Scipione said.

Homicide detectives have now taken charge of the investigation.

The scene remains taped off and a forensics investigation is under way to determine the source of the fatal bullet.

NSW Premier Kristina Keneally paid tribute to Constable Crews and said he would be given a police funeral with full ceremony.

- AAP