Australian police on Saturday said they had received reports that “multiple people” were stabbed at a busy shopping centre in Sydney. The police said six people including the attacker have died in the incident. 

“She confronted the offender who had moved by this stage to level five as she continued to walk quickly behind him to catch up with him. He turned faced her raised a knife. She discharged a firearm and that person is now deceased,” the police said.

“I’m advised that there are five victims who are now deceased as a result of the actions of this offender,” police added.

The incidents occurred at the sprawling Westfield Bondi Junction mall complex, which was packed with Saturday afternoon shoppers. 

The mall has been locked down and police have urged people to avoid the area. 

New South Wales Ambulance told AFP one man had been shot dead by police. He is believed to be one of the attackers.

The motive was not immediately clear.

Eyewitnesses said there was panic at the scene, with shoppers running to safety and police trying to secure the area.

Several people took shelter in a supermarket, where they remained for about an hour.

The sound of police sirens and helicopters filled the air. 

Security camera footage broadcast by local media showed a man running around the shopping centre with a large knife and injured people lying on the floor.

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