Bondi Junction stabbing as it happened: Multiple dead, injured in Sydney’s eastern suburbs; PM, NSW Police Commissioner speak

What happened in Bondi Junction? A man murdered six people by stabbing them with a knife inside Bondi Junction Westfield on Saturday afternoon. The attacker was shot dead by police.

How did it start? Police say CCTV footage shows the attacker walked into Bondi Junction Westfield about 3.20pm and “engaged with” nine people as he moved through, “causing harm”.

Who has been harmed? Six people are confirmed dead, plus the attacker. NSW Ambulance said they took eight patients to various hospitals. A nine-month-old baby was among the injured.

Who was the attacker? NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said he was a 40-year-old who was known to police but not believed to have held terrorist beliefs. He has not been formally identified. Police are confident he acted alone.

What happens next? Police have promised a “lengthy and precise” investigation. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has discussed the incident with AFP commissioner Reece Kershaw and the director-general of ASIO, Mike Burgess.

A sixth stabbing victim has died in hospital following the rampage at Bondi Junction. It brings the death toll for the incident to seven, including the attacker, who was shot dead by police at the shopping centre.

Seven other victims remain in serious to critical conditions in hospitals across Sydney, including a young child.

Nine News reported the sixth victim was the mother of the young child, who remains in hospital with stab wounds.

King Charles has issued a statement following the Bondi Junction attack.

“My wife and I were utterly shocked and horrified to hear of the tragic stabbing incident in Bondi,” he writes.

“Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of those who have been so brutally killed during such a senseless attack.

“While details of these shocking circumstances are still emerging, our thoughts are also with those who were involved in the response, and we give thanks for the bravery of the first responders and emergency services.”

The Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Catherine, have sent their condolences, saying they are “shocked and saddened” by the events in Sydney.

“Our thoughts are with all those affected, including the loved ones of those lost and the heroic emergency responders who risked their own lives to save others,” they posted to X.

A baby and its mother were among those attacked by the unidentified man, who wandered the centre with a knife in his hand and struck at shoppers.

The mother died later in hospital. Witnesses said he appeared to choose his victims at random.

It is the state’s worst mass killing since the Quakers Hill Nursing Home Fire in 2011, when 11 people died in an arson attack.

The owner and manager of the Westfield shopping centre at Bondi Junction, Scentre Group, has released a short statement, praising police and passing on condolences to victims and the families of the deceased.

“Scentre Group extends its deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of those impacted by today’s tragedy at Westfield Bondi,” chief executive Elliott Rusanow said.

“We extend our deep appreciation for the swift and brave action of our team and first responders.

“Our team continues to provide full assistance to the NSW emergency services response.”