Chaos erupted in the heart of Melbourne's shopping district today as a frenzied knife attack left multiple people wounded and sent terrified bystanders scrambling for safety.
City Centre Thrust Into Panic
The daylight assault unfolded on Bourke Street, one of Melbourne's busiest thoroughfares, around midday when witnesses reported seeing a man brandishing a knife and attacking random victims.
Eyewitness accounts described scenes of terror as shoppers and workers fled the area while emergency services rushed to the location. "People were screaming and running in every direction," one witness told reporters. "You never expect this to happen in the middle of the day in the city."
Emergency Response Swarms CBD
Victoria Police confirmed they responded to multiple emergency calls reporting a stabbing incident. Ambulance Victoria dispatched numerous paramedic teams to treat victims at the scene.
The area surrounding Bourke Street Mall was immediately locked down as police established a significant perimeter. Public transport through the area was suspended, causing major disruptions during the busy lunch hour.
Manhunt Underway for Attacker
Police have launched a major operation to locate the suspected attacker, who fled the scene before officers arrived. Authorities are urging members of the public to avoid the area while the manhunt continues.
"We are treating this as a major incident and have all available resources dedicated to locating the individual responsible," a police spokesperson stated.
Victims Receiving Treatment
While the exact number of casualties remains unconfirmed, early reports indicate at least several people sustained knife wounds during the attack. The severity of injuries varies, with some victims requiring immediate hospital treatment.
This incident marks another violent episode on Bourke Street, which was the site of a tragic vehicle attack in 2017 that claimed six lives and injured many others.
This story is developing. More details will be provided as they become available.
