Six people have died and several others – including a nine-month-old baby – are fighting for their lives after a crazed knifeman went on a rampage in a busy Australian shopping centre.
Emergency services rushed to the Westfield Shopping Centre at Bondi Junction in the city on Saturday, April 13, after reports emerged that a man had been walking around with a blade. Shoppers were quickly evacuated following the incident, the Mirror reported.
The stabber – who police believe was a 40-year-old man known to authorities – was shot dead by a heroic police inspector.
One man claimed he heard gunshots while getting his hair cut and the center began to be evacuated.
Commissioner Karen Webb confirmed that four women and one man died at the scene, while a fifth woman later died in hospital.
She also confirmed that eight more people were in hospitals across Sydney, including a nine-month-old baby who was undergoing surgery.
“Later in the evening we found out who the perpetrator was and we assume that he is a 40-year-old man,” the police chief told the press. “However, we are still waiting for the official identification and cannot speculate about his identity yet. But I can assure you that we are convinced that there is no longer any danger and that we are dealing with a person who has since died.”
In response to questions about the stabbing attack, she said: “If this is indeed the person we believe it to be, then we are not concerned that this person is suspecting something. In other words, this is not a terrorist incident.” She also confirmed that the suspect was “known to law enforcement.”
A visibly tearful witness told Sky News: “Who does this to people? I saw a woman lying on the floor in Chanel. It was crazy, it was madness, I didn’t expect it. I thought I was going to die.”
A picture has now emerged showing appears to be the suspected stabber walk through the mall.
Another witness, who was trapped in a shop during the curfew, said she heard gunshots and bloodcurdling screams, MailOnline reports. “We are absolutely terrified,” she said.
Roi Huberman, an ABC sound engineer, meanwhile told the broadcaster that he sought shelter in a store during the incident.
“And suddenly we heard a gunshot or maybe two gunshots and we didn’t know what to do,” he said. “Then the very capable person in the store led us to the back where you can lock the store. She locked the store and then let us through the back entrance and now we’re out.”
Become a member of the Daily Record’s WhatsApp community here and get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox.
A Waverley Council spokesperson said: “There is currently a police operation underway at Westfield Bondi Junction. The centre is cordoned off due to reports of multiple stabbings. No further information is available at this time. Please avoid unnecessary travel to the Bondi Junction CBD.”
New South Wales Police said: “A critical incident has occurred following the shooting of a man in Bondi Junction. Shortly before 4pm (Saturday 13 April 2024), emergency services were called to Westfield Bondi Junction after several people had been stabbed.
“People are urged to avoid the area. Investigations into the incident are ongoing and no further details are available.” A spokesman for the New South Wales Ambulance Service, meanwhile, said they had responded to “reports of a man walking around with a knife in Westfield.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was also informed of the incident and posted on X, where he stated: “I have been informed by the AFP of the devastating events at Bondi Junction.”
Tragically, several casualties have been reported and the first thoughts of all Australians are with those affected and their families. Our condolences go out to those injured and we thank those caring for them, as well as our brave police officers and first responders.”
Don’t miss the latest news from Scotland and beyond. Sign up for our daily newsletter .
