A Tasmanian mayor visiting Sydney has escaped a major incident at a shopping centre in the city’s east, where multiple people have been fatally stabbed.
Clarence Mayor Brendan Blomeley took to social media to share the news of the incident at the Westfield Shopping Centre in Bondi Junction on Saturday afternoon.
He said what was a “beautiful day” had come to a “shocking end” and reported hearing “gun shots” inside the shopping centre.
“Police / Paramedics everywhere, with us cowering in store with other shoppers. We’re safe,” he said.
He says after hearing gunshots, he grabbed his two young children and ran to safety.
NSW Police have confirmed an operation was underway and said shoppers were being evacuated.
“A critical incident has commenced following the shooting of male at Bondi Junction,” NSW Police said.
“Just before 4pm, emergency services were called to Westfield Bondi Junction following reports of multiple people stabbed.”
At least 5 people have since been confirmed dead in the incident.
