Video captures moment woman randomly stabbed in Melbourne’s CBD

Newly released footage has shown the moment a woman allegedly stabbed another woman in Melbourne’s CBD.

Police have confirmed they charged the 32-year-old with three offences after the incident early on October 2.

Vision provided to The Age shows 36-year-old woman Wan Lai walking casually down Little Bourke Street near Spencer Street.

A woman dressed in black runs up to her, comes in close, gets her attention, and then appears to thrust something into her right shoulder.

What appears to be a blade is seen glinting in the light as Lai recoils. The accused then runs off with the knife.

A third woman quickly comes to Lai’s aid, removing her jacket and staring in the direction of where the alleged attacker ran.

Nine News reports Lai had just left her apartment and was on her way to work at a sushi restaurant. She suffered a punctured lung but has since returned home from hospital.

Chia Ting, Lai’s brother-in-law, told Nine News: “I think on the day we received a phone call from her workplace owner was quite confusing and shocking at the same time.”

Lai’s sister, Ivana Lai, said: “It’s not right. It should be safe [for people] to walk alone.”

Premier Jacinta Allan said: “This act of violence on Little Bourke Street is absolutely sickening. I send my support to the victim of this crime and their family.

“No one who commits brazen, violent acts like this should be on the streets. The accused offender is currently on remand awaiting court. I thank the men and women of Victoria Police for their swift response.”

Melbourne Lord Mayor Nick Reece echoed Allan’s sentiments, adding: “Our thoughts are with the victim, and everyone affected by this unprovoked attack. I join the community in expecting justice will be appropriately served.”

Opposition leader Brad Battin used the incident to renew his criticism of the government’s bail laws, which were tightened in March after a rise in youth offending.

“Victorians are right to be outraged that the alleged attacker was out on bail,” Battin said in a statement.

“Victorians should be able to walk the streets without fearing for their lives. Instead, violent offenders are being released on bail.”

Police said they had charged a 32-year-old Melbourne woman with intentionally causing injury and committing an indictable offence while on bail. They did not detail what charges she had been on bail for.

She appeared at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on October 3 and was remanded in custody.

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