A 21-year-old woman has been found dead and a 41-year-old woman hospitalised with stab wounds after a knife attack in Sydney's Bellevue Hill. The alleged attacker, a man with a history of mental illness, was subdued by bystanders including two British brothers.
Police Commissioner Mick Fuller said the man was known to police but his history was 'unremarkable compared to the gravity of the crimes he committed'. He confirmed the man had a history of mental health issues, and investigations were underway into reports he had absconded from a mental health facility.
The incident occurred around 2pm on King Street. Paul O'Shaughnessy, 37, who played professionally for English football club Bury, and his brother Luke, 30, from Manchester, heard a disturbance from their office. They saw the alleged attacker wielding a knife and covered in blood, and chased him. Together with other onlookers, they managed to subdue him. Paul said the man yelled 'extremist' slogans.
Police found information on the man related to mass casualty incidents in North America and New Zealand, suggesting some terrorist ideologies, but no links to terrorist organisations. Fuller said the incident appeared to be a lone actor with mental health issues, not terrorism.
The 41-year-old stabbing victim is recovering well but unlikely to be discharged from hospital tonight. A third woman presented to police with a hand injury but is believed to be a witness, not a victim. The man is expected to be charged with homicide and serious assault.
