A man was shot at a Sydney mall on Saturday after several people were reported stabbed, police said.
New South Wales Police said in a statement that emergency services were called to Westfield Bondi Junction just before 4pm (0600 GMT) following the reports.
“We urge people to avoid the area,” the statement said. He added, “Investigations are continuing into the incident and there are no further details.”
Westfield Bondi Junction Shopping Center in Sydney, Australia.
Sydney Morning Herald | Fairfax Media | Getty Images
News website news.com.au reported that hundreds of people were evacuated from the shopping center after the incident. State broadcaster ABC reported that some people were still trapped inside. Two witnesses told Reuters they heard gunfire.
“Even 20 minutes after people left the mall, I saw SWAT teams of people sweeping the surrounding streets,” one witness said. One witness said they saw a woman lying on the ground and taking refuge in a jewelry store.
New South Wales State Police said a police operation was underway but did not provide further details. Several social media posts showed crowds fleeing the mall and police cars and emergency services rushing to the area.
This is a developing news story, please check back for further updates.
