Dad covers kids’ eyes after attack as experts urge witnesses to get help

The aftermath of a mass stabbing in Sydney's Bondi Junction is feared to potentially leave thousands of people, including children, traumatised as experts warn not to ignore the symptoms.

Knife-wielding Joel Cauchi, 40, killed six people and injured a dozen more, including a nine-month-old baby, at the Westfield shopping centre yesterday afternoon.

He was shot dead by police inspector Amy Scott.

READ MORE: Prime Minister says shopping centre attack 'horrific act of violence'

Since then, heartbreaking and traumatic scenes from inside the building have emerged to show shoppers screaming, crying and desperately fleeing for their lives.

One father was seen covering his children's eyes as he led them away from what was unfolding while another father grabbed his daughter and hid in the Cotton On Kids store.

Seconds later, Cauchi would stab a woman close by where the little girl stood. 

Meanwhile, retail stores like Kmart lowered their shutters to protect shoppers inside as the building was locked down.

As the city reels from the events of yesterday afternoon, NSW Health has declared a disaster mental health response and deployed additional staff trained in trauma and grief counselling to Bondi Junction and on the 24-hour phone helpline at 1800 011 511.

TIMELINE: How the Bondi Junction Westfield stabbing attack unfolded

"If anybody rings who's been impacted by the events of Bondi yesterday, their call will be expedited," NSW Health chief executive officer Deb Wilcox said.

"They'll speak to a trained clinician who can give them any additional referrals and any further advice they might need."

As vision of the stabbing spree spreads on social media, parents were urged to limit their children's exposure to it online as it could cause distress.

Trauma psychologist Natalia Rachel warned Sydneysiders to look out for symptoms of trauma and to seek help if they arise.

"Some people might have a more of a sematic or physical presentation so that might be a strange sensation in the body, whooshing sensations, a racing heartbeat or even the emergence of strange aches or pains," she told 9News.

"Whereas some people might experience insomnia, night sweats, flashbacks or nightmares."

Those experiencing anxiety in the wake of the incident are urged to increase their physical sense of safety as a way to cope.

"That might be to speak to ourselves, speak to our body and remind ourselves the threat's over and that the danger's past and we can also use tools like giving support to our body with our hands, a blanket, a heat pack," Rachel said.

READ MORE: Police Inspector labelled a hero after shooting dead Bondi attacker

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, 40-year-old Joel Cauchi, was shot dead by NSW Police Inspector Amy Scott at the scene. Police do not believe he acted "with ideation".
• Twelve people were taken to hospital, though police said others may have presented independently with minor injuries.
• Five women and one man were killed in the attack, which also left a dozen injured.
• They include Faraz Tahir, 30, a refugee who started working as a security guard that day; Ashlee Good, 38, a mum whose baby was also stabbed; Dawn Singleton, 25, a shop worker and daughter of businessman John Singleton, architect and mother-of-two Jade Young, 47, and Pikria Darchia, 55.
• Three people – a woman, man and a nine-month-old baby girl – remain in a critical condition.
• Eight others are stable and one woman has been discharged from hospital.
• Details are emerging of heroic acts by shoppers who tried to help as the rampage unfolded.
• Mobile phone footage shows crowds hiding in stairwells, with other shoppers saying they were evacuated to the roof and others cowered in shops.
• The shopping centre will remain closed on Monday as police work through the crime scene.

If you're struggling, know that help is available 24/7.

NSW Health 24-Hour Mental Health Line: 1800 011 511.

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).