Shoppers were sent fleeing in terror after a man was allegedly stabbed during a violent confrontation at one of Sydney's busiest retail hubs on Saturday afternoon.
Chaos Erupts in Busy Shopping Precinct
The shocking incident unfolded at Bankstown Central in the city's south-west just after 2.30pm on Saturday. Disturbing footage from the scene shows three men engaged in a heated argument before the situation escalated dramatically.
Moments later, one of the men, a 55-year-old, is seen collapsing to the ground as horrified bystanders scrambled to get away from the violence. In a display of bravery, one member of the public armed with nothing but a chair attempted to intervene, desperately trying to separate the men as screams echoed through the centre.
Bystanders and Security Rush to Aid Victim
In later footage, the injured man is seen chasing his alleged attacker before collapsing again, clutching his side. Security guards and members of the public rushed to his aid as he lay on the floor, bleeding from what are believed to be stab wounds to his torso.
Emergency services were called immediately. Paramedics treated the 55-year-old man at the scene before rushing him to hospital. Authorities have confirmed he remains in a stable condition and his injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
Swift Police Response and Arrest
Police launched an immediate manhunt and, within minutes, arrested a 27-year-old man nearby. He was taken to Bankstown Police Station and later charged with wounding a person with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and custody of a knife in a public place.
The man was refused bail when he briefly fronted Parramatta Local Court on Sunday. Police have stated there is no ongoing threat to the public and are investigating the motive behind the violent altercation. Initial reports suggest the fight was sparked when the victim complained the alleged attacker was talking too loudly on his phone.
Police are urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
