In Sydney, “several people” stabbed in a shopping center

” Several people “ were stabbed in a shopping center in Sydney, in the Bondi district, Australian police said on Saturday April 13. The New South Wales state ambulance service told Agence France-Presse that a man was shot dead by police, and that it was likely the assailant, as several media also claim.

The attack occurred at the Westfield Bondi Junction shopping center, located in the iconic Bondi district, not far from the beach of the same name. Australian television channel ABC reported that the police had evacuated customers from the center, after being called to the scene shortly before 4 p.m. (local time, 8 a.m. in Paris). The media says New South Wales Ambulance Services told it seven people were taken to hospital with stab wounds, including a nine-month-old baby and his mother.

Australian police confirmed an operation was underway and urged people to avoid the area. She did not immediately specify the motive for the attack or the number of victims, but is due to hold a press briefing shortly.

Videos shared on social media show numerous ambulances and police cars, as well as crowds of people, around the mall, while paramedics treat patients at the scene. Footage from surveillance cameras inside the center, broadcast by Australian media, also shows a man with a large knife running through the mall, people fleeing and others lying on the ground injured. .

Witnesses who escaped from the center said there was panic at the time of the attack. Several people took refuge in a supermarket, where they stayed for about an hour.

“I have been informed of the devastating events at Bondi Junction. Tragically, many casualties have been reported,” racted Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on X. He added that “the“The first thoughts of all Australians are with those affected and their loved ones.”

More information to come on Lemonde.fr

The World with AFP

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