Counter-terrorism police probe motive of alleged Sydney University stabber
Police are investigating whether a 14-year-old boy who allegedly stabbed a Sydney University student early Tuesday had been groomed online by extremists.
NSW Police Assistant Commissioner of counterterrorism Mark Walton said no motive was clear in the attack yet and there was “no indication” it was linked to anti-Israel protests that have been held at the university over the past two months.
A 22-year-old man was being treated in hospital after being stabbed in the neck shortly after 8.30am with a kitchen knife by a boy who was wearing army fatigues. The boy was arrested nearby a short time afterwards and was being treated for an injury to his hand.
Mr Walton told reporters that while the joint counterterrorism squad was investigating, “a motive or ideology... has not been determined” but issued a warning to parents about the dangers of online radicalism.
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“There are concerns about youth being radicalised in the online environment,” he said.
“They are embracing violent extremist ideologies and moving towards violence. I urge parents that are aware, that should be aware of this risk to their children, we ask that everyone should be concerned about this and reach out to authorities if they are concerned about the current consumption of extremist ideologies.”
NSW Police scour the scene. Credit: DAN HIMBRECHTS/AAP
He said the alleged offender may have been motivated by what was “likely to be categorised as mixed and unclear ideology. It’s certainly not a religiously related ideology”.
Mr Walton said the alleged offender was from Sydney’s inner west and that he was known to police and other government agencies.
Police were called to Sydney University early Tuesday after reports a man had been stabbed shortly after 8.30am.
“Officers from Inner West Police Area Command established a crime scene and were informed that after the incident a male boarded a bus on Parramatta Road,” said a police spokesperson.
“A short time later officers arrested a 14-year-old boy near Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, where he is currently assisting with inquiries.
“Neither person is believed to be known to one another.”
Police believe the 14-year-old allegedly stabbed the stranger before attempting to flee the scene by boarding a bus on Parramatta Road Credit: DAN HIMBRECHTS
Earlier, Sydney University Vice Chancellor Mark Scott told staff in an email that he was “shocked and saddened” by the attack and said 15 had been placed into “secure mode” as police continued their investigation, which means they can only be accessed with a swipe pass.
“I am shocked and saddened to inform you that a student in our community was attacked on our Camperdown Campus this morning in what police believe is an isolated incident,” Mr Scott said.
“The student is in hospital and is in a serious but stable condition.
“NSW Police have arrested the alleged attacker and have assured us that there is no ongoing threat to the community.”
Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000.