A man has fatally stabbed six people at a Sydney shopping centre, with one man suspected to be the attacker, being shot dead by an officer.
Eight people, including a nine-month-old baby and her mother, were rushed to hospital following the attack that took place as the sprawling shopping centre was packed with people. Police said some of them were in a serious or critical condition.
The attacker is believed to have acted alone, and police say there is o continuing threat to the public. The 40-year-old man, who was known to police, was eventually shot dead by an officer at the scene.
Ambulances in the Bondi Junction area responded to reports of a male running around Westfield shopping area with a knife.
The Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, praised the female officer who shot dead the suspect as a “hero.” The police officer who disarmed the suspect was credited with saving lives.
Witnesses at the scene describe the officer running towards the man, telling him to put down his knife, and shooting him once in the chest. The attacker later died.
The Prime Minister expressed condolences to the victims and confirmed that six people were fatally stabbed, while several are being treated for injuries at the hospital. The motives of the attacker are unknown.
