At least six people have been killed in a horrifying stabbing spree at a mall in Westfield Bondi Junction in Sydney on Saturday afternoon, Australian media reported.
Earlier, Australia’s ABC News reported that authorities evacuated hundreds of visitors and workers from a shopping mall in Sydney following a stabbing spree.
New South Wales state police said emergency services were called to the area just before 4pm following reports of multiple stabbings.
Eight people including a child were taken to a hospital after the attack, Reuters reported adding that the suspect, who acted alone, has been shot dead by the police.
The police has not identified the offender yet and the motive behind the attack still remains unknown, but they have not ruled out terrorism.
“A critical incident has commenced following the shooting of male at Bondi Junction,” police said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese condemned the attack on X, formerly known as Twitter.
He wrote: “Tragically, multiple casualties have been reported and the first thoughts of all Australians are with those affected and their loved ones.”
Several posts on social media showed crowds fleeing the mall and police cars and emergency services rushing to the area.
Aerial footage from outside the complex shows a large number of emergency vehicles and personnel on the roof where the car park is located.
