NewsKnife attack at Sydney shopping centre leaves multiple dead, hero policewoman thwarts assailant

Knife attack at Sydney shopping centre leaves multiple dead, hero policewoman thwarts assailant

Evacuation of the shopping centre in the vicinity of Sydney

Images source: © X | Mark Hudson

13 April 2024 16:38

At a Westfield shopping centre in Bondi Junction near Sydney, a knife-wielding attacker was shot dead by a policewoman. Local services report at least six victims of the attacker and eight people injured. An investigation is currently underway.

In the afternoon hours Greenwich Time, at a shopping centre in the eastern part of the Sydney metropolitan area, a knifeman attacked. Eyewitnesses report that the man walked around the complex and stabbed random people within his reach:

"We were up there, and all these people were running towards us all of a sudden. Next thing dozens and dozens of people all running a screaming some bloke yells 'someone is stabbing everyone get out of here'" - Ted Helliar wrote on X.

Although initially local services reported two alleged perpetrators of the attack, it turned out there was only one - confirmed by Deputy Commissioner of New South Wales, Anthony Cooke:

He said in an interview with ABC News that initial findings indicate that the person acted alone, and he is pleased that there is no ongoing threat

The man attacked near an Israeli restaurant. The exact identity or origin of the man is not yet known. Authorities are still investigating the motives of the attack and warn people not to jump to conclusions.

State Police Commissioner Karen Webb reports that the attacker "was about 40 years old", but his identification is still ongoing.

Australian media report that the police statement said emergency services were called to Westfield Bondi Junction just before 8:00 PM Greenwich Time after reports that many people had been stabbed with a knife.

Many police cars and ambulances appeared at the site. Authorities advise residents to avoid the area around the Westfield shopping centre.

Local police confirmed the attacker was shot dead. In videos shared online from witnesses' phones, the moment of the knife attacker being shot dead by a high-ranking policewoman can be seen.

"She is certainly a hero; there is no doubt that she saved lives through her action," said Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at a press conference.

In the evening Greenwich Time, State Police Commissioner Karen Webb confirmed that as a result of the attack, 6 people died at the scene - five women and one man, not including the shot attacker.

Local media reports that among the dead are a mother with her child. One of the victims died after hospitalization, and eight injured people are in nearby hospitals.

Services are conducting an investigation. As reported by the local newspaper, "Herald," examining a crime scene as large as the shopping centre will probably take up to two days.

The Prime Minister of Australia offered condolences to the families of the victims and thanked the uniformed services for their heroic rescue operation:

"Tragically, multiple casualties have been reported, and the first thoughts of all Australians are with those affected and their loved ones. Our hearts go out to those injured, and we thank those caring for them, our brave police and first responders." the Prime Minister of Australia wrote on the X platform.