Sydney police say 6 dead after shopping mall stabbings

Australian police say five people have been killed in stabbing attacks at a Sydney shopping mall, with the suspected attacker also shot dead by police.

According to DW, the incidents occurred at the Westfield Bondi Junction Mall complex, with hundreds told to evacuate the area.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has said there were "multiple casualties" in the incident.

"Tragically, multiple casualties have been reported and the first thoughts of all Australians are with those affected and their loved ones," he wrote on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.

Police said the suspect in the attack acted alone after initial reports suggested there might have been two perpetrators.

Emergency services were called to the mall just before 4 p.m. (0600 GMT) following the reports of the stabbings, police in the state of New South Wales said in a statement.

The daily Sydney Morning Herald reported that four people had died in stabbing attacks. Police have not yet confirmed the report.

Several social media posts showed crowds fleeing the mall and police cars and emergency services rushing to the area.