A person has been taken to hospital after a reported stabbing occurred at the University of Sydney this morning. A teenager was arrested after allegedly stabbing a man in the neck with a kitchen knife.
A statement from NSW Police confirmed that a 14-year-old-boy has been arrested after a stabbing at the University of Sydney campus at 8:36am. He is now assisting with police inquiries.
A 22-year-old male was stabbed in the neck with a kitchen knife, and has been taken to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in a serious but stable condition. There is believed to be no relationship between the two individuals.
Assistant Commissioner Mark Walton from NSW Police’s Counter Terrorism unit shared that the neither 14-year-old’s ideology or motive have been identified.
“It was a young person that fled the scene dressed in camouflage defence force uniform, and a knife was recovered at the scene,” Walton said.
“The suspect caught a bus and shortly after presented at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital where he has been treated for cuts to the hand and is currently undergoing a mental health assessment.”
Numerous ambulances and police cars have flocked to one of the university’s ovals on Parramatta Road, Camperdown. The university’s Western Avenue and Science Road were temporarily blocked by emergency services.
Staff at the University of Sydney shared they had been put on a lockdown and were working to ensure the safety of students.
“As a precautionary measure there may be an increased security and police presence on campus while investigations continue,” said a USYD spokesperson, per Sydney Morning Herald.
“The safety and wellbeing of our students, staff and members of the community is our priority, and we continue to work with authorities.”
Speaking to the press Walton noted how there have been other youth attacks lately, which he alleged are linked to the rise of “extremist ideologies” influencing teens online.
“Here in NSW, nationally and internationally, there are concerns about the youth being radicalised in the online environment. They are embracing violent extremist ideologies and moving towards violence,” said the Assistant Commissioner.
“I urge parents that should be aware of this risk to their children. We ask that everyone should be concerned about this, and reach out to authorities if they are concerned about the consumption of extremist ideologies.”
NSW Police confirmed there is no ongoing threat to the uni, staff, or students.
