Six people have been killed and an attacker has been shot dead after multiple people were stabbed at Westfield Bondi Junction shopping centre in Sydney’s east.
As police and paramedics rushed to the scene this afternoon, a lone police officer who was nearby at the time was guided by shoppers to the man who was armed with a knife.
As the officer walked quickly behind the man to catch up to him on level five, the attacker turned to face her and raised a knife. The police officer shot the man and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Here are the timeline of events that have been established so far:
3.10pm: Police said a man walked into Westfield Bondi Junction shopping centre before he left.
3.20pm: The man returned to the shopping centre 10 minutes later. NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Tony Cooke said the man began stabbing people with a knife.
Shortly after: Police rushed to the scene after they received multiple calls from members of the public. A female police officer was nearby at the time and was directed to the man by shoppers in the centre.
She followed the man who had moved to level five of the shopping centre. As she continued to walk quickly behind him to catch up with him, he turned around to face her, raised a knife and the police officer shot the man dead.
4.30pm: NSW Police confirmed they received reports that multiple people have been stabbed. Officers urge people to avoid the area.
6.20pm: NSW Police and NSW Ambulance hold a press conference and confirm five people have died and more than seven people are in hospital.
7.30pm: Authorities later confirm six people have died.
What we know so far
- Six people have been killed in a mass stabbing attack at Westfield shopping centre at Bondi Junction in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.
- The man, suspected to be a 40-year-old male known to police, was shot dead by a lone officer at the scene. Police do not believe he acted “with ideation”.
- Eight people have been rushed to hospital in a critical condition after the attack just after 3pm.
- A baby and a mother were among those stabbed. The mother, a 38-year-old woman, has since died of her injuries. The baby continues to receive treatment.
- Video appears to show a man wearing a rugby league jersey holding a knife as shoppers flee.
- Mobile phone footage shows crowds within stairwells, with other shoppers saying they were evacuated to the roof
- Shoppers helped victims as others cowered in shops for up to two hours.
- The attacker acted alone and there is no ongoing threat.
If you’re struggling after today’s events, know that help is available 24/7.
Lifeline: Call 13 11 14, text 0477 13 11 14 or chat online.
Kids Helpline: Call 1800 55 1800 or chat online.
Beyond Blue: Call 1300 22 4636 or chat online.
1800RESPECT: Call 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or chat online.
13 Yarn: Call 13 92 76.
MensLine Australia: Call 1300 78 99 78.
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000).
