Six dead and baby in surgery after multiple stabbings at Sydney mall, police say

1. A man has fatally stabbed six people at a Sydney shopping centre, police say
2. The 40-year-old man, who was known to police, was shot dead by an officer at the scene
3. A nine-month-old baby is in surgery being treated for injuries. Its mother is among the six dead, local media reports
4. The attacker "acted alone" and police say there there is no ongoing risk to the public
5. Officers from the NSW force will lead the investigation and say it's too early to speculate on the suspect's motivations
6. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says "hearts go out to those injured" in this "horrific act of violence"
7. Police continue to urge people to avoid the area and advise that the shopping centre will be closed tomorrow

What we know so far about Sydney mall stabbings

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At 16:00 local time (07:00 BST), ambulances were called to the scene of a Sydney-area mall after reports of multiple stabbings.

If you're just joining us now, here's everything we know in this developing story:

• A man has been shot and multiple people have reportedly been stabbed in an incident that sparked panic at a Sydney mall
• A nine-month-old baby is reportedly among those stabbed, while at least four people are dead, according to local media
• Ambulances called to the scene were reportedly responding to “reports of a male running around Westfield with a knife”
• The incident is ongoing and people are urged to avoid the area
• New South Wales Ambulance told news agency AFP one man, believed to be an attacker, was shot dead by police
• Video footage shows dozens of police and ambulances at the scene, and images on social media appear to show multiple casualties, as well as a man carrying a large knife
• A police press conference is expected soon

Reports that a nine-month-old baby among those injured

Australian media outlets are reporting that a nine-month-old baby is among those injured.

New South Wales Ambulance told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation the baby was one of seven people who had been stabbed at the Westfield shopping centre.

And an eyewitness told the Sydney Morning Herald they had seen a mother and baby who were both injured.

Local media are reporting that at least four people died in the attack, and police say a man has been shot.

Please stay with us as we continue to get you more details about this breaking news story.

Local police confirm a male has been shot in ‘critical incident’

Reuters

We've just received a statement from the New South Wales Police who say officers are responding to a “critical incident” after a male was shot at Bondi Junction.

In a statement, the force has said emergency services were called just before 16:00 local time (07:00 BST) to the Westfield shopping centre in Sydney following reports of multiple stabbings.

Police have advised people to avoid the area as inquiries continue.

Good morning

Good morning. Welcome to our live coverage of an incident unfolding at a Sydney shopping centre after there were reports of multiple stabbings.

Police have confirmed that one man has been shot after crowds could be seen fleeing the Westfield mall at Bondi junction and local media report several people are dead.

Hundreds have so far been evacuated from the area, AFP reports, while video shows ambulances and a heavy police presence at the scene.

This is a developing story so please stay with us as we bring you live updates.