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Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has called the mass stabbing which has killed five people in Sydney “devastating.”
Albanese said he has been briefed by Australian Federal Police after the attack by a man at Bondi Junction Westfield on a busy Saturday afternoon.
The attacker was shot dead by police, after the horror attack unfolded just after 3pm.
Albanese thanked emergency services.
“Tragically, multiple casualties have been reported and the first thoughts of all Australians are with those affected and their loved ones,” he said in a statement
“Our hearts go out to those injured and we offer our thanks to those caring for them as well as our brave police and first responders.”
Westfield Bondi Junction statement
Bosses from Scentre Group, which runs the shopping mall said it is supporting emergency services, and told people to avoid the area.
“A critical incident has occurred at Westfield Bondi this afternoon,” a statement said.
“The safety and security of our customers, business partners and people is our highest priority.
“Our team is providing full support to emergency services following the incident.
At the direction of police, we are asking the public to avoid the area at this time.”
Opposition leader statement
Peter Dutton has called the Bondi Junction Westfield attack “tragic and terrifying”.
“We grieve for the five people who have been killed. We pray for those who have been rushed to hospital with injuries,” the Opposition Leader said in a statement.
He praised the “heroism” of some of the shoppers who helped amid the Saturday afternoon attack.
“We thank the police officers and first responders who acted so quickly, put themselves in harm’s way, and saved others.
“In particular, the bravery of one female officer who neutralised the assailant.
“We thank the brave shop keepers and staff who helped shoppers shelter amidst the chaos.
“We thank everyday Australians who helped each other get to safety and those who provided comfort to others in distress.”
NSW Premier statement
Chris Minns said he was “horrified to hear about the events at Bondi Junction this afternoon.”
“I am making immediate arrangements to return to Sydney,” he said.
“I want to thank NSW Police, emergency services and first responders and the community for their bravery in the face of this shocking incident.”
What we know so far
- Five people have been killed at Westfield shopping centre at Bondi Junction in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.
- Eight people have been rushed to hospital in a critical condition after the attack just after 3pm.
- A baby and a mother are among those reported to be injured.
- The male attacker was shot dead just before 4pm by a female police officer.
- 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.
