By Chris Matthews
Published: | Updated:
Four people are feared dead after a knifeman went on a rampage in Sydney before he was shot dead by police.
The stabbing happened at Bondi Junction Westfield mall, which was packed with shoppers and went into lockdown just before 4pm local time on Saturday.
The knifeman reportedly attacked a mother and her baby, with the child now undergoing surgery in hospital. The motive was not immediately clear.
Multiple other shoppers have been injured in the attack. Paramedics have taken two people to hospital in ambulances so far, while bystanders have seen multiple people outside the shopping centre with blood on their clothes.
Hundreds of people were reportedly evacuated from the shopping centre after the incident.
The knifeman was reportedly shot dead by a female police officer
Shoppers run though Bondi Junction as police lock down the centre following reports of a major incident
The stabbing happened at Bondi Junction Westfield shopping centre, which into lockdown just before 4pm on Saturday
Multiple other shoppers have been injured in the attack, it has been reported
Paramedics have taken two people to hospital in ambulances so far, while bystanders have seen multiple people outside the shopping centre with blood on their clothes
Police have cordoned off the shopping centre in Sydney
Shoppers enjoying a day out today were evacuated from the mall
State broadcaster ABC reported some people remained trapped inside. Two witnesses told Reuters they heard shots fired
One witness said: ‘Even 20 minutes after people were rushed out of the mall, I saw SWAT teams of people sweeping the surrounding streets’
People at the scene said there was panic, with shoppers running to safety and police trying to secure the area.
Several people took shelter in a supermarket, where they remained for about an hour.
The sound of police sirens and helicopters filled the air.
Security camera footage broadcast by local media showed a man running around the shopping centre with a large knife and injured people lying on the floor.
State broadcaster ABC reported some people remained trapped inside. Two witnesses told Reuters they heard shots fired.
One witness said: ‘Even 20 minutes after people were rushed out of the mall, I saw SWAT teams of people sweeping the surrounding streets.’
Another witness said they saw a woman lying on the ground and took shelter in a jewellery store.
SWAT teams with rifles were seen accompanying police after the attack
Another witness said they saw a woman lying on the ground and took shelter in a jewellery store
Several posts on social media showed crowds fleeing the mall and police cars and emergency services rushing to the area.
New South Wales state police said a police operation was underway but did not provide further details.
The force said: ‘People are urged to avoid the area.
‘Inquiries are continuing in relation to the incident and there are no further details.’
This is a breaking news story. More to follow.