NEW DELHI:
Chaos
erupted at Sydney's
Westfield Bondi Junction
after reports of a
suspected stabbing
sent shockwaves through the bustling shopping center. According to news site news.com.au, hundreds of people were swiftly
evacuated
as police swiftly moved in to contain the situation.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing shots fired amidst the commotion. One witness recounted seeing a woman lying on the ground before seeking refuge in a nearby jewelry store.
According to the reports by NCA NewsWire, a man, armed with a knife, had allegedly stabbed four people before encountering police intervention.
The assailant was reportedly shot by the police following his rampage.
The mall has been locked down and police have urged people to avoid the area.
New South Wales Ambulance told AFP one man had been shot dead by police. He is believed to be one of the attackers. The motive was not immediately clear.
NSW Police issued a statement urging people to "avoid the area." "Inquiries are continuing in relation to the incident and there are no further details," the statement added.
The severity of the injuries sustained by the victims remains uncertain at this stage, with authorities yet to confirm whether any casualties have occurred. The condition of the perpetrator also remains undisclosed.
New South Wales state police confirmed the ongoing police operation at the scene but remained tight-lipped regarding further details.
Amidst the confusion, social media flooded with images and videos capturing the panic as crowds fled the area while police cars and emergency services descended upon the scene.
(With inputs from agencies)
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