A selection of images from the scene of the attack in Sydney, Australia.

Mother of nine-month-old baby stabbed in Sydney reported to be amongst six deceased victims

The area has been evacuated and people are being advised by police to stay away

by · Irish Mirror

The mother of a nine month old baby stabbed in a knife attack in a shopping mall in Sydney is reported to have died, according to media in Australia.

Police have confirmed six people, five women and one man, were killed in the attack - seven other people are currently being treated in hospital, some of whom are in a critical condition.

The attacker was shot dead and police believe he acted alone.

Newly appointed Taoiseach, Simon Harris, said he was 'horrified' at what unfolded.

"I am horrified by the attack in Sydney on innocent people, including children," he said. "I will reach out to PM @AlboMP personally but for now the thoughts and prayers of everyone in Ireland are with our Australian friends."

New South Wales Police Commissioner Karen Webb said told a press conference: “Later this evening we became aware of who we believe the offender is and we believe that he is a 40-year-old man.

“However, we are waiting to formally identify him and we cannot speculate yet on his identification.

“But let me assure you that we are confident that there is no ongoing risk and we are dealing with one person who is now deceased.”

She added: “If in fact it is the person that we believe it is, then we don’t have fears for that person holding an ideation – in other words, that it’s not a terrorism incident.

“He is known to law enforcement but we are waiting to identify him formally.”

She continued: "The police officer that attended is enormously courageous, as were other police officers that had attended that Bondi area.

“I spoke to them this afternoon when they returned to the station.

“It was an awful situation and no doubt people dealing with the trauma that they witnessed but it could have been much worse.”

While broadcasting live from the scene of the incident, 9 News Sydney, interviewed a man who said he came to the aid of a nine month old baby and mother who had both been stabbed.

"The mum got stabbed and came over to me with the baby and threw it at me," said the man.

"I was holding the baby - it looked pretty bad," he said. "I hope the baby was alright."

Crowds of people were reported to have fled the shopping centre after reports of multiple stabbings and gunshots.

Several local media organisations have reported gunshots being heard inside Westfield mall at Bondi junction.

Police and paramedics work outside the Westfield Bondi Junction shopping mall after a stabbing incident in Sydney.(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

At 7.59am Irish time, New South Wales Police confirmed a man had been shot.

"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 are continuing in relation to the incident and there are no further details."

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