Stabbing incident in busy shopping area in Sydney sparks panic; 5 killed, many injured

Sydney: A suspect went on a stabbing and shooting spree at a busy Sydney shopping mall, killing five people before being shot on Saturday, local media reported. Hundreds of people were evacuated from Westfield Bondi Junction near Bondi Beach after a stabbing and shooting incident.

Sydney was thrown into chaos on Saturday at shopping mall after reports of multiple stabbings and a possible shooting there have sparked a major police response. Local media reported gunshots could be heard inside Westfield Mall at Bondi junction, sources reported.

A man was shot at the mall in Sydney, police confirmed, following reports of multiple people stabbed. Hundreds of people were evacuated from the shopping centre after the incident, according to local media reports.

Several posts on social media showed crowds fleeing the mall and police cars and emergency services rushing to the area. Some people are believed to be killed in the incident, although there have been no official confirmations of casualties.

BREAKING:🚨

Terrorist attack in a shopping mall in Sydney, Australia. many people died

Different reports coming in on whether it’s a stabbing or shooting attack. pic.twitter.com/YGgI3X39pi

— Muskaan Panchal (@ProudIndian_M) April 13, 2024

BREAKING:

Graphic videos emerge from the terrorist attack in Sydney, Australia.

Security personnel giving CPR to women who have been stabbed.

Unconfirmed reports speak of 4-6 killed

Via @AnnoymousGiraf pic.twitter.com/zH3SCJibQ5

— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) April 13, 2024

“A critical incident has commenced following the shooting of a male at Bondi Junction. Just before 4 pm (Saturday 13 April 2024), emergency services were called to Westfield Bondi Junction following reports of multiple people stabbed. People are urged to avoid the area. Inquiries are continuing in relation to the incident and there are no further details,” said the New South Wales police in a statement.

Two witnesses told Reuters they heard shots fired. “Even 20 minutes after people were rushed out of the mall, I saw SWAT teams of people sweeping the surrounding streets,” one of the witnesses said. One witness said they saw a woman lying on the ground and took shelter in a jewellery store.