Sydney mall attack: Six killed, offender shot dead by police after stabbing multiple people
* Six people have been killed in a Sydney stabbing inside a shopping centre at Bondi Junction soon after 3pm on Saturday
* A senior police officer was on the scene and shot the attacker, a 40-year-old man, after he refused to drop his weapon
* The inspector’s immediate actions were believed to have saved many lives
* Eight patients were taken to hospital and several people were in a serious condition including a baby
* Police praised the bravery of bystanders who rushed to the aid of stab victims
Six victims have died after a man armed with a knife carried out a frenzied stabbing attack in a Sydney mall packed with Saturday shoppers.
New South Wales Police say a sole police officer responded to emergency calls from within Bondi Junction Westfield mall and shot the attacker dead, saving many lives.
Eight victims have been hospitalised with knife wounds, including a 9-month-old baby. The youngest victim was undergoing surgery.
New South Wales Police Force Commissioner Karen Webb tonight confirmed four women and one man had died in the shopping centre and one woman had since died in hospital.
She said the attacker was a 40-year-old man. A formal identification was yet to take place but he was known to law enforcement.
However, Webb said given his identity, they did not believe it was an act of terrorism.
Earlier NSW Police said it was not possible to indicate a possible motive for the rampage.
Story continues after the liveblog
Westfield owners Scentre Group pay tribute to security guard
Nazahryth Bernard
Scentre Group CEO Elliott Rusanow, of the shopping centre company which owns Westfield, said it was 'devastated' by security guard Faraz Admad Tahir's death. He also said another guard was injured and remains in hospital.
Full statement:
“It is with immense sadness that I confirm the terrible news that one of our security team members, Faraz Ahmad Tahir, suffered fatal injuries while trying to protect the community during yesterday’s tragedy in Westfield Bondi.
“We are devastated by Faraz’s passing and recognise our team member’s bravery and role as a first responder.
“Our deepest and heartfelt condolences go out to his family and all who are mourning the loss of loved ones.
“Our thoughts and concerns are also with the families and carers of those injured in the attack and the everyday heroes whose actions prevented further loss of life.
“Another member of our security team was injured and remains in hospital.
“This news is deeply felt by our Westfield Bondi team, our security partner GLAD and the entire Scentre Group team.
“We are providing mental health and counselling services for our customers, business partners and people.
“Our team continues to provide full assistance to the NSW emergency services response and investigations into yesterday’s tragedy.”
- Scentre Group Chief Executive Officer, Elliott Rusanow
Fifth victim identified as Pikria Darchia, 55
Nazahryth Bernard
A fifth victim of the Bondi Junction stabbing has been identified as 55-year-old Pikria Darchia, the Sydney Morning Herald reported.
NSW Police confirmed Darchia as the fourth female victim and fifth victim overall.
Darchia is originally from Tbilisi in Georgia, and the Sydney Morning Herald reported a LinkedIn profile suggests she was an artist.
Half-mast flags across Australia tomorrow
Nazahryth Bernard
Flags across Australia will be flown at half mast tomorrow to commemorate the victims who lost their lives during Saturday's attack.
The Sydney Morning Herald reported Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had requested the move through the Commonwealth Flag Network. All Australian Government buildings and establishments have been instructed to lower their flags.
It was also reported that the Opera House sails will be lit with a black ribbon on Monday evening to honour the victims.
Vigil set to be held outside mall
Nazahryth Bernard
A vigil honouring the lives lost in yesterday's mass stabbing was set to be held at 6pm AEST (8pm NZT) tonight outside the Westfield where the attacks took place.
The Sydney Morning Herald reported a makeshift memorial has been erected at the site on Oxford St and the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community invited mourners to come together for silent prayers.
Faraz Tahir, the security guard who was killed in the attacks, was a member of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the Sydney Morning Herald reported.
'Bollard man' who tried to stop Cauchi revealed as Silas Despreaux
Nazahryth Bernard
The 'bollard man' that attempted to stop Joel Cauchi during his rampage has been revealed by the Sydney Morning Herald as French construction worker Silas Despreaux.
A friend of Despreaux told the Sydney Morning Herald his shopping companion and co-worker also attempted to stop Cauchi.
The friend had spoken to Despreaux after the incident and said he was coping well.'
“He’s ok, it’s a very strange thing for someone.“I haven’t had much of a chance to speak to him since, he has been busy with police I think.”
Desperaux has lived in Sydney for several years and works for a small St Leonards-based construction firm, the Sydney Morning Herald reported.
Cauchi's family call his actions 'truly horrific'
Nazahryth Bernard
The family of attacker Joel Cauchi says his actions were "truly horrific" and they have "no issues" with the police officer that shot him.
The statement, released tonight by Queensland Police, read; "We are absolutely devastated by the traumatic events that occurred in Sydney yesterday".
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of the victims and those still undergoing treatment at this time."
The family added that Cauchi has battled with mental health issues since he was a teenager.
"Joel's actions were truly horrific and we are still trying to comprehend what has happened."
Cauchi's family said they were in contact with New South Wales Police Force and Queensland Police Service and "have no issues with the police officer who shot our son".
"She was only doing her job to protect others and we hope she is coping alright."
The family requested privacy during this time.
Pakistan high commissioner to Australia pays tribute to slain guard
Nazahryth Bernard
Pakistan's high commissioner to Australia, Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri, has paid tribute to 30-year-old slain security guard Faraz Ahmed Tahir.
In a post to X, formerly Twitter, Chaudhri wrote; "The victims of yesterday’s horrific attacks at Bondi Junction, Sydney included a Pakistani citizen who lost his life while saving the others".
"Our deepest sympathies and prayers are with his family. We are working with the family for reparation of his mortal remains to Pakistan."
Chaudhri added another Pakistani citizen was injured during the attack and is in a stable condition in hospital.
Victim Dawn Singleton, 25, bought wedding dress last week
Nazahryth Bernard
Slain 25-year-old Dawn Singleton had just bought her wedding dress last week.
She was engaged to New South Wales policeman Ashley Wildey, a high school sweetheart, the Daily Mail reported.
A friend of Singleton's told the Daily Mail she had been shopping for makeup at Bondi Junction Westfield when she was stabbed standing outside Chanel.
She said her fiance was devastated by Singleton's death.
She was also remembered by her workplace, White Fox Boutique, as "someone special to us who felt like a family member".
Her employer said: "We are truly devastated by this loss. Dawn was a sweet, kind-hearted person who had her whole life ahead of her.
"She was really amazing. We send our love and deepest condolences to her partner, the Singleton family and friends.
"She will always be remembered as part of the White Fox family."
Security guard killed named as Faraz Ahmed Tahir
Nazahryth Bernard
The security guard killed during the attack, the only male victim to be killed, has been named as 30-year-old Faraz Ahmed Tahir, the Syndey Morning Herald reports.
Tahir was orginally from Pakistan and "had so many hopes and dreams for his future", his friend Shajar Ahmad told the Sydney Morning Herald.
He had only worked about five shifts at the Bondi Junction Westfield. Saturday was the first time he had worked during the day.
Tahir went to Australia on a United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees programme.
He had only moved to Sydney from Queensland eight months ago, his friend said.
Victoria landmarks tribute
Nazahryth Bernard
Landmarks in Victoria will be illuminated in white tonight as tribute for those who lost their lives at Bondi Junction.
The move, announced by Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan on X, will include Federation Square, the MCG and the Bolte Bridge, the Sydney Morning Herald reported.
“Nothing we can do or say can help make sense of this senseless tragedy," Allan wrote on social media.
“But Victorians are sending love and light to the people of NSW in this moment of darkness.”
Other Melbourne landmarks to be lit include the National Gallery of Victoria and Arts Centre.
Third victim named as Jade Young
Nazahryth Bernard
The third victim has been named as Jade Young by the Sydney Morning Herald.
She is the mother of two daughters.
Young studied at the Architectural Association School in London and specialised in building conservation, working with heritage buildings in Sydney's eastern suburbs, the Sydney Morning Herald reported.
She was an active member of the Bronte Surf Life Saving Club, who remembered her as a "much-loved" club member.
“Many club members will be affected by the loss of Jade and the impact of this senseless and tragic event will affect each of us differently over time," the club wrote.
Australian PM Anthony Albanese pays tribute to victims
Nazahryth Bernard
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese posted to X a photo of him laying flowers in memory of the Sydney stabbing victims, and wrote:
"Yesterday, Bondi Junction was the scene of horrific violence – but also selfless courage and bravery.
"Today this community has come together to mourn the victims of this devastating atrocity and offer its sympathy to those who have lost loved ones."
Kangaroos honour Ashlee Good in Sunday AFL match
Nazahryth Bernard
North Melbourne are wearing black armbands in their Sunday afternoon game against Geelong in honour of Ashlee Good who was among the six people murdered in the Bondi Junction attack, the Sydney Morning Herald reported.
Ashlee Good is the second of four children from former North Melbourne player and director Kerry Good.
Ashlee’s 9-month old daughter Harriet was critically injured during the attack.
North Melbourne president Sonja Hood said Kerry and his family had accepted the offer from the club to wear the armbands and honour his daughter’s memory during today’s match.
“Like all Australians, we were horrified to see the awful details coming out of Sydney on Saturday,” Hood said.
“To learn later that Ashlee and her daughter were victims in this tragedy really brings something like this close to home."
Woman stabbed in Sydney mall attack in 'good spirits'
Nazahryth Bernard
A man whose mother was stabbed in the Sydney mall attack says she is in "good spirits".
The woman in her mid-40s who was discharged from St Vincent’s Hospital earlier this morning is “doing alright” and “in good spirits”, her family told the Sydney Morning Herald.
“I’m still shaking thinking of it now,” son Jake Wineberg said.
“[It was] very scary for the whole family.“She’s doing alright. She just left now, but she’s alive, in good spirits.”
Wineberg said he wouldn’t wish the experience on his worst enemy.
“It’s a surprise. You see these things on the news, and you wouldn’t think it would happen in the area where we live, especially your own mother,” Wineberg said.
Victim Dawn Singleton was 'valued student'
Nazahryth Bernard
The former school of stabbing victim Dawn Singleton has said she was a “valued student at the school”.
The principal of Kambala School, Jane Danvers said in a message to parents viewed by the Sydney Morning Herald the Rose Bay school was saddened and shocked by the events that transpired.
“Our thoughts are with all of those affected by this tragedy,” it read.
“We have been made aware by many in our community and in the public domain of the death of Kambala Old Girl Dawn (Dawnie) Singleton 2016.
“There is no doubt the ramifications from this incident may continue to unfold over the coming days and weeks with many of our community potentially affected.”
Cauchi called police on family in 2020
Nazahryth Bernard
Lowe said the last time Cauchi contacted his family in March.
Lowe said he was aware of an incident in 2020 where Cauchi called the police on his family after they took away his knives.
Asked whether police had any information about Cauchi targeting women in particular, Lowe replied “No".
He described Cauchi as “itinerant”, moving from Kangaroo Point and Carina in Brisbane to his family’s home “in the southern police region”, and said his family were aware he was interstate but did not have regular contact.
Lowe said Cauchi was diagnosed with a mental illness when he was 17.
Cauchi sold sexual services online
Nazahryth Bernard
The attacker, Joel Cauchi, was a male escort and sold sexual services online, the Daily Mail reports.
He offered 'closed door' services to men and women, as well as other options the Mail would not publish due it being too graphic.
In one post, Cauchi described himself as "athletic good looking", the Mail reported. This post has since been deleted.
He advertised on several websites, Australia Cracker, Empire Escorts and Escorts Australia.
NZ police minister Mark Mitchell in Sydney, about to lay wreath
Nazahryth Bernard
New Zealand's police minister Mark Mitchell is in Sydney now and is about to lay a wreath in remembrance of the victims.
He spoke to the Herald from Bondi Junction, describing the mood as sombre and said a large section of the community had gathered to pay their respects.
"This is just an absolute awful tragedy. It has impacted the community very hard, Sydney as well as the rest of Australia.
Everyone is staying down here to support one another," Mitchell said.
Mitchell was not visiting the scene in an official capacity as Minister of Police, instead, he said he was in Sydney for personal reasons.
Mitchell did say he was due to speak to the Australian Minister for Police, Yasmin Catley.
"If there is anything we can do to support them [the New South Wales Police Force], then we would do that without question," he said.
"Sydney is a big city, of course, but it’s a bit like New Zealand. It’s one degree of separation and just about everyone has been impacted in terms of knowing someone or having some link to the tragedy.
“In line with what our Prime Minister has said, our hearts are with [the victims’ families], our deepest, heartfelt condolences. We feel the pain of this loss.”
Cauchi 'street checked' last December
Bailey Brannon
The last interaction Queensland police had with Cauchi was in December 2023, when he was "street checked".
It is believed Cauchi was sleeping in his car or in backpackers during his time in NSW.
"The family do not have regular contact with their son," Lowe said.
He said the coroner will be looking at all the interactions that Cauchi had with police.
Australian PM expected to lay wreath at the scene
Bailey Brannon
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is expected to lay a wreath at the scene of the deadly knife attack.
Albanese told ABC Radio Sydney he will travel to Bondi Junction this afternoon alongside Wentworth federal MP Allegra Spender.
“This is a tragedy that should never have occurred,” he said, praising Ashlee Good, the fatally wounded mother who found help for her 9-month-old before collapsing.
“That young mother has shown the extraordinary spirit that mothers have.”
Queensland Assistant Commander Roger Lowe told the media they were assisting with New South Wale's investigation.
He said Cauchi is considered "to be a person from Queensland".
Lowe said Cauchi had never been arrested by police in Queensland but was known to police.
"He has been in contact with police, primarily within the last four to five years," Lowe said.
"During that contact, we are aware [Cauchi] had issues with his mental health."
He said Cauchi's family will be issuing a statement.
"Addtionally, they have sent a message of support with respect to the police officer who has killed their son, and expressing their concerns for her welfare," Lowe said.
He said there were no concerns about increased violence within shopping centres, but there has been a bolstering of security measures.
Joel Cauchi was treated for mental health issues
Bailey Brannon
Joel Cauchi was being treated for mental health issues more than a decade ago, but had transferred to private care in 2012, Queensland Health has revealed in a statement.
Cauchi is believed to have travelled to Sydney from Queensland last month.
“Queensland Health extends our sympathies to everyone involved in the tragic incident in NSW,” the statement reads.
“We will work with Queensland and NSW police on any information and assistance we can provide.”
No New Zealanders involved
Bailey Brannon
A Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesperson said they are not aware of any kiwis involved in the attack at this stage and no requests for assistance have been made.
Were women targeted?
Sophie Ryan
Webb said any purposeful targeting of women would be an "obvious line of inquiry" that police will follow.
Put to her whether video footage showed the knifeman ignoring men in the mall and deliberately chasing after women, she said people could form their own opinions of what he was doing.
Male victim was security guard
Sophie Ryan
The one male victim was a security guard.
No known motive
Sophie Ryan
Webb said police were still unaware of Cauchi's motive.
"There is no idealogical motive."
Webb said Cauchi was known to both Queensland and NSW police, but not for any criminal offences.
Webb said Cauchi was known to police due to "mental health-related reasons".
Sophie Ryan
NSW Health Minister Ryan Park said he is "very, very proud" of the 75 paramedics that attended the mall yesterday.
He confirmed 12 people remained in hospital, ranging from critical to serious but stable, including the nine-month-old infant.
Park said dedicated support officers would be coming to Bondi and mental health support will be bolstered.
Sophie Ryan
Police Commissioner Karen Webb said police will be working at the mall today and throughout tonight to understand what took place.
"As we reported, six people were murdered," Webb said.
It may take weeks for all the victims to be formerly identified, Webb said.
'One of the worst events the state had seen'
Sophie Ryan
Premier Minns paid tribute to the nurses, doctors and ambulance staff for their extraordinary efforts to save lives, the members of the public for their "instinctive bravery" and Inspector Amy Scott.
He said this was one of the "worst events the state had seen."
'Horrifying event' - NSW Premier
Sophie Ryan
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns said Sydney has been through a horrifying event and he called on everyone to support the families of the victims.
He said many people will have questions about the incident and he said the entire government will be joining in on the investigation.
"I understand many people will be feeling real anger," Minns said.
Third victim was mother from eastern suburbs
Sophie Ryan
The third victim who died from the Bondi Junction stabbing attack has been identified as a mother of two from Sydney’s eastern suburbs.
The Sydney Morning Herald reported the woman’s family did not want her name disclosed, but said she lived in Bellevue Hill and grew up in Illawarra.
The Herald reported the woman was an expert in building conservation.
Family of Ashlee Good 'reeling from terrible loss'
Sophie Ryan
The family of 38-year-old victim Ashlee Good has released a statement to Australian media.
“Today we are reeling from the terrible loss of Ashlee, a beautiful mother, daughter, sister, partner, friend, all round outstanding human and so much more,” it reads.
“We appreciate the well-wishes and thoughts of members of the Australian public who have expressed an outpouring of love for Ashlee and our baby girl.”
They said they were “struggling to come to terms with what has occurred”.
Ashlee's 9-month-old baby was also stabbed in the attack and had undergone “hours of surgery yesterday” and is currently doing well, the statement said.
“We are so grateful for the expert care and attention of the medical team at Sydney Children’s Hospital,” the statement said.
“We would also like to thank the New South Wales Police for their kindness and diligence in this tragedy and emergency services for getting our baby the care she needed as quickly as possible.
“To the two men who held and cared for our baby when Ashlee could not - words cannot express our gratitude.”
Second victim named as 25-year-old woman
Sophie Ryan
Australian media are reporting a second victim who died from the Bondi Junction stabbing attack is the daughter of a multi-millionaire advertising mogul.
Dawn Singleton, 25, the daughter of businessman John Singleton and lawyer Julie Martin, was one of the six victims stabbed at the Westfield Mall.
Full statement from NSW Police
Sophie Ryan
A critical incident investigation is underway after six people were fatally stabbed and a man was shot by police in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs yesterday.
About 3.30pm (Saturday 13 April 2024), emergency services were called to Westfield Shopping Centre at Bondi Junction, following reports multiple people had been stabbed.
An officer attached to Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command attended and was allegedly confronted by a man, armed with a knife.
The man allegedly lunged at the officer, before he was shot.
The man was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics; however, he could not be revived and died at the scene. He has since been identified as 40-year-old Queensland man, Joel Cauchi.
Five other people – including four women believed to be aged between 20 and 55 and a man, aged in his 30s - who were in the centre, died at the scene. They are yet to be formally identified.
Twelve others – including nine women, two men and a 9-month-old child – suffering stab wounds, were treated by paramedics and taken to various Sydney hospitals.
A 38-year-old woman who was taken to St Vincent’s Hospital in a critical condition; has since died.
Police are aware that other people have also sought medical treatment for various injuries.
The shopping centre and surrounding streets remain closed, while the crime scene continues to be forensically examined.
A critical incident team comprised of detectives attached to the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad and the Central Metropolitan Region have established Strike Force Mcauley to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The investigation will also be subject to an independent review.
As investigations under Strike Force Mcauley continue, any witnesses, anyone with information or mobile phone vision who has not yet spoken to police, is urged to call police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.
Albanese's message to victims
Sophie Ryan
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the country is still coming to terms with the incident as they awoke this morning.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with [the victims].”
He paid special tribute to Inspector Amy Scott and those who tried to stop Cauchi’s frenzied attack.
Albanese said it was not helpful to speculate beyond the information police have released.
He said he had received messages of support from American President Joe Biden, United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon overnight.
Sydney mall attacker identified as Joel Cauchi, 40, of Queensland
Sophie Ryan
NSW Police say the attacker was Joel Cauchi, originally of Queensland.
Police do not know how he may have come into possession of the knife used in the attack.
NSW Police maintain no known motive for the attack
Sophie Ryan
Cooke said he would hope that "everyone should respect everyone's feelings" when speculating on the religion and motive of the attacker.
He would not say if "public mischief" charges would be sought for those sharing false information on the attacker's identity.
Queensland man with 'mental health' issues identified as knifeman - NSW Police
Sophie Ryan
A 40-year-old Queensland man has been identified as the attacked.
He arrived in NSW one month ago from Queensland, Cooke said.
He took possession of a small storage facility one month ago, which has been investigated by police.
Police have spoken to his family.
The man suffered from mental health problems that were well documented by police and they were previously aware of him, Cooke confirmed.
NSW Police giving update
Sophie Ryan
Assistant Commissioner Anthony Cooke told the media he was speaking with the families of the victims, two of which have no family in Australia.
"We know many people are in a serious but stable condition," Cooke spoke about the 12 people who remain in hospital.
"This was a terrible scene. I would ask anybody who had any information to make themselves known to [police]."
Press conference delayed to 10.30am
Sophie Ryan
NSW Police will give a major update on the investigation at 10.30am NZT. It was originally scheduled for 10am NZT, but has been delayed. You can watch the press conference in the live stream embedded above.
More details on victims in hospital
Sophie Ryan
The Sydney Morning Herald reported three patients remain at St Vincent's hospital.
One woman in her 20s is in a critical condition, one man in his 20s is in a critical but stable condition, and one woman in her 40s is in a stable condition.
A Royal Prince Alfred Hospital spokeswoman told the Sydney Morning Herald one male patient is in stable condition, and one female patient is in stable condition.
St George Hospital and Royal North Shore Hospital also have patients from the attack, while the injured baby was taken to the Sydney Children’s Hospital at Randwick.
Nine taken to hospital via ambulance, three admitted themselves after the event
Sophie Ryan
Acting New South Wales Premier Penny Sharpe told Sky News nine people were taken to the hospital via ambulance and three others presented themselves.
She was unsure if they were all attacked directly or if some were suffering from “shock”.
“We are trying to share information as it comes to hand,” Sharpe said.
Sky News also reported the attacker was originally from Queensland.
12 people in hospital after attack
Sophie Ryan
There are 12 people in hospitals across Sydney with injuries after the knife attack.
NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley has given Australian media an update this morning.
Last night it was reported eight people were injured in the attack - so this is a significant update.
Brave fathers praised in wake of horrific event
Sophie Ryan
Two dads are being praised on social media for their bravery in the wake of the Sydney mall stabbing spree.
‘A truly shocking day’: NSW premier
Sophie Ryan
NSW Premier Chris Minns has flown back to Sydney from a family holiday in Japan.
Minns spoke to 2GB Radio yesterday from Tokyo.
“This is a terrible, violent crime and my heart goes out to those that have lost loved ones,” Minns said. “It’s a truly shocking day in the state’s history.”
'Hero' cop universally praised
Sophie Ryan
The police officer who shot the knifeman dead has been praised for confronting him on her own.
Daily Mail Australia have named the police officer as Inspector Amy Scott.
"She showed enormous courage and bravery," NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said.
What we know so far about the Sydney attack
Sophie Ryan
Prince William and Princess Catherine's message to Australia
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Friend remembers victim as 'a beautiful woman'
Sophie Ryan
Sky News Australia journalist Laura Jayes revealed live on-air she was a friend of victim Ash Good.
Jayes paid an emotional tribute to the woman who was a “mother in the prime of her life”.
“She has a beautiful circle of friends. She’s a beautiful woman. She was an incredible athlete. And she had the world at her feet. She got married in recent years,” Jayes said.
“Her family are on their way – rushing here now. So many family and friends wanted to be at the hospital this afternoon, they had to take turns going in and out of the waiting room.”
“Her baby went in to surgery and her mum didn’t make it. That is really hard news to take.”
38-year-old mother dead in stabbing spree
Sophie Ryan
Ash Good, 38, died from her injuries after being stabbed by the knifeman.
She was at the mall with her nine-month-old baby girl, who was also injured in the attack.
Two members of the public spoke in the immediate aftermath of the attack of how they tried to stem the bleeding after Good and her daughter were stabbed.
King Charles 'shocked and horrified'
Sophie Ryan
King Charles says he and Queen Camilla are "utterly shocked and horrified" by the "senseless attack" in Sydney.
The King added that the royal couple's "hearts go out to the families and loved ones of those who have been so brutally killed".
Heroes emerge amid tragedy
Sophie Ryan
Incredible footage of a shopper armed with a bollard confronting the knifeman on an escalator.
Key points
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- Six people have been killed during a stabbing attack at a Sydney mall.
- Five victims were women prompting questions about motivations.
- Two victims have been identified as Dawn Singleton, 25, and Ash Good, 38, mother of a 9-month-old girl also injured.
- Good's baby remains in a critical condition but has stabilised.
- A total of 12 people remain in hospital.
- The attacker was named as Joel Cauchi, a 40-year-old from Queensland who was known to police.
- Cauchi worked as a male escort and had a history of mental health issues.
- Cauchi's family offered Police information after recognising their son in TV footage.
- A lone policewoman shot and killed Cauchi inside the Bondi Junction mall.
- Members of the public who intervened to try to save lives have been hailed as heroes.
Seven dead including attacker - NSW Police update
Nazahryth Bernard
NSW Police has told ABC News sixpeople were fatally stabbed during the attack in Bondi Junction earlier today.
A man was also fatally shot by police after allegedly lunging at an officer.
Sydney Football players sport black armbands
Bailey Brannon
Sydney Football players will be wearing black armbands in show of respect for the lives lost in the deadly attack.
'Australia is family' - PM Luxon
Sophie Ryan
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says all New Zealanders are thinking of those affected by the mall attack.
'She is a hero' - PM praises officer who confronted attacker
Sophie Ryan
Albanese said the police officer who shot the attacker was a hero.
"The bravery of the police officer, she entered the proceedings that were taking place, obviously very dangerous, by herself, was very brave. She is a hero."
Motive for attack still unknown
Sophie Ryan
Albanese said it would appear the person had attacked alone and the motives were not known yet. Speculation would not be helpful at this time, he said.
'Every Australian is with you'
Sophie Ryan
"To any Australian affected by this tragedy every Australian is with you."
He praised the heroism of bystanders who intervened and helped the victims of the attack and whose first instinct in danger was to help someone else.
"That is what we hold onto tonight as Australians.
"That's confirmation of who we are - brave, strong, together."
Australian PM speaks
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Prime Minister Albanese said the scenes at Bondi Junction are "beyond words or understanding".
He said the first thoughts of all Australians are with those affected.
'A lot of Kiwis live in that area' - Hipkins
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Labour leader Chris Hipkins says he's sending aroha to Australia.
'Shocking and appalling' - Winston Peters
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Foreign Minister Winston Peters has this evening branded the deadly events inside the Sydney mall "shocking and appalling."
"Our thoughts and condolences are with the victims, the loved ones of those killed and injured, and the Australian people."
He said any New Zealanders caught up in the mayhem should follow the directions of local authorities and if they were in need of consular assistance call +64 99 20 20 20.
Police officer who responded 'saved many lives'
Sophie Ryan
A senior police officer who was nearby the mall responded to the emergency calls on her own and confronted the attacker. She shot him dead when he raised his weapon at her.
Police say she saved many lives by responding how she did.
No information on who attacker is
Sophie Ryan
Police have no information about the offender or who he is, and at this stage there was no indication of a political or religious ideology behind the attack.
Nearby police officer confronted attacker
Sophie Ryan
A nearby police officer confronted the offender on the fifth level of the mall and the police officer shot the man when he raised his weapon at her.
NSW Police give update - Five victims dead
Sophie Ryan
Five people have been killed in the Bondi Junction mall attack, NSW Police have confirmed.
The offender, a man armed with a knife, is also dead.
Australian PM's message
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Update: 8 hospitalised with knife wounds
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The number of people taken to hospital with stab wounds has risen to eight.
Seven people stabbed
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ABC News is reporting seven people have been stabbed and taken to hospitals across the city.
Those injured include a nine-month-old baby who has been taken to Sydney Children's Hospital at Randwick.
'I thought I was going to die'
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A tearful woman told ABC News she was hiding in the backroom when she heard gunshots.
"It was the worst thing ever - who does that to people."
When asked what was going through her mind, the woman replied "I thought I was going to die."
"I just came out of the gym, I was living my life and then I thought I was going to die."
Sophie Ryan
Video has emerged of a heroic member of the public trying to fend off the attacker on an escalator.
Multiple people believed dead in stabbing attack
Sophie Ryan
A "critical incident" has unfolded in Bondi Juntion Westfield mall in Sydney.
Multiple people are believed to be dead after a man armed with a knife began "chasing and slashing at people", according to witnesses.
NSW Police have confirmed officers have shot a man after multiple people were stabbed.
We're bringing you live coverage as more information becomes available about the event.
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Webb said police had secured the crime scene and the mall would remain closed tomorrow.
She praised many of the shopkeepers and those inside the shopping centre who showed amazing bravery.
The policewoman who confronted the knifeman was doing well under the circumstances and would be interviewed tomorrow.
Officials have told ABC News eight people were taken to hospital with stab wounds, including a nine-month-old baby who has been taken to Sydney Children’s Hospital at Randwick.
A man was shot after multiple people were stabbed at the shopping centre in Sydney’s eastern suburbs about 3.40pm local time, AAP reported.
“A major incident has been declared following reports of multiple people killed at Westfield Bondi Junction Shopping Centre this afternoon”, 9 News Sydney wrote on X.
There were reports of multiple stabbings with up to six people dead, the news organisation said.
One video shot inside the mall during the attack showed a person brandishing an object - possibly a bollard - towards the alleged attacker away as he came up towards the person on the escalator.
“This guys a legend, blocking the Bondi Junction Westfields attacker. Hope he made it out alive,” an X user posted.
A NSW police spokesperson told AAP there were reports that multiple people had been stabbed and one man had been shot.
“Paramedics are treating patients at the scene. Multiple posts on social media show crowds of people outside the shopping centre, with reports it is in lockdown.”
Footage taken at the scene shows shoppers running for their lives across a glass pedestrian bridge.
The Daily Telegraph reported witnesses saying a man was “chasing and slashing people with a knife”.
The outlet reported he was later shot by police.
The offender’s first victims were a woman and her child, according to the Telegraph.
Ricardo Goncalves wrote on X that he heard what sounded like gunshots and saw people running away.
One person who spoke to ABC Australia said he believes the gunshots heard were from police who shot the man with the knife or machete.
A young witness currently locked inside a store told the Telegraph she has heard gunshots and “blood-curdling” screams.
A 9 News reporter at the scene told viewers he had seen “paramedics covered in blood”.
Dozens of emergency service crews are currently on the scene.
ABC reporter Danuta Kozaki said on X that NSW police were searching the mall’s rooftop area and Waverley Council posted on X that there were reports of multiple stabbings at the mall.
“A police operation [is] currently underway.”
Shoppers flee as armed man gives chase
Harrowing tales are emerging of people being chased by an armed man inside the mall.
A witness named Rowan told 7NEWS he saw a man armed with a knife chasing fleeing shoppers.
He said that he and multiple others fled into a gym and began locking it down when he heard gunshots.
Those in the gym were then evacuated to the rooftop, Rowan said.
Police frisked shoppers as they were escorted out of the shopping centre.
A young child was among those seen being loaded into ambulances, 7NEWS reported.
One man told a 9 News reporter he had helped a mother and baby who were both stabbed.
”The baby got stabbed. The mum got stabbed and the mum came over with the baby and threw it at me … it looked pretty bad”, the man said.
”There was a lot of blood on the floor.
”Another man, who had interrupted the reporter during a live broadcast to point out the hero as “that man there saved the baby”, spoke of the traumatic scene
”We just tried help with holding the baby and to compress the baby, and staying with the mother and trying to compress the blood.”
Asked by the 9 News reporter what he knew of the baby’s condition, one of the men said he thought it was fine - but he wasn’t sure about the mother.
”Because of the mother holding so well and really compressing I think the baby’s fine. The mother - me and another lady which were compressing [to stop blood loss] - she started to have a lot of blood coming out of her mouth.”