Man killed five people before being shot dead by police at Sydney shopping centre

A crowd gathers outside Westfield Shopping Centre in Sydney.

FIVE PEOPLE ARE dead following stabbings at a shopping centre near Australia’s Bondi beach.

Their attacker was shot dead by a police officer responding to the incident and several other people have been brought to hospital with serious injuries.

The incidents occurred at the sprawling Westfield Bondi Junction mall complex, near Bondi Beach, which was packed with afternoon shoppers.

Dozens of police vehicles remain at the scene of the shopping centre.

Shortly before 4pm local time, emergency services were called to the area following reports of multiple people stabbed.

Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese said he had been briefed “on the devastating events” at Bondi Junction.

“Tragically, multiple casualties have been reported and the first thoughts of all Australians are with those affected and their loved ones,” he said.

“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.”

Local New South Wales police said on social media that the area has been “locked down amid reports of multiple stabbings” in the shopping centre.

It said a “critical incident” has commenced following the shooting of a male at Bondi Junction and appealed for members of the public to “avoid any unnecessary travel” to the area.

New South Wales Ambulance told AFP that one man had been shot dead by police. He is believed to be an attacker.

A critical incident has commenced following the shooting of male at Bondi Junction. Just before 4pm (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… — NSW Police Force (@nswpolice) April 13, 2024

The motive of the attacker was not immediately clear.

Eyewitnesses said there was panic at the scene, with shoppers running to safety and police trying to secure the area.

Several people took shelter in a supermarket, where they remained for about an hour.

Security camera footage broadcast by local media showed a man running around the shopping centre with a large knife and injured people lying on the floor.

– © AFP 2024