Villawood detainee on the run after stabbing Border Force worker in van en route to airport
A major manhunt is underway after an immigration detainee stabbed a Border Force contractor in the neck while under escort from Villawood to Sydney Airport. WATCH his escape.
NSW
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A Tongan national is on the run in Sydney’s west after stabbing a Border Force contractor in the neck and assaulting another during an escape from a transport van en route to the airport.
The 28-year-old detainee, who was being transported from Villawood Detention Centre to Sydney Airport for deportation, escaped at 3.40am on Thursday while the vehicle was travelling along James Ruse Drive at Clyde.
It is understood the man was about to be deported due to overstaying the length of time on his visa for Australia.
Emergency services arrived to find a 54-year-old man with stab wounds to the neck and cheek, and a 36-year-old man who had been punched. Both men, believed to be contractors or officers working under Border Force, were taken to Westmead Hospital in stable condition.
Detective Superintendent Simon Glasser from Cumberland Police said officers were urgently seeking the 28-year-old man, who may be able to assist with inquiries.
“He is a Tongan national, of Islander appearance, around 180cm tall, of large build, and unshaven,” Supt Glasser said.
“When he was last seen, he was wearing a dark jacket, dark pants, and black and white sneakers.
“If anyone sees this male, we urge them not to approach him but to contact Triple Zero immediately. If you have other information about his whereabouts, please contact Granville Police or Crime Stoppers.”
Supt Glasser said the detainee had allegedly attacked both contractors inside the vehicle.
“While in the vehicle, we believe the male assaulted both the driver and passenger, allowing him to escape,” he said.
“The exact circumstances are still under investigation.”
He confirmed police were still trying to determine what type of weapon was used in the attack.
“We believe one of the victims was stabbed with a sharpened metal object,” he said.
“We are still making inquiries into exactly what that weapon was.”
Asked whether the detainee had been restrained during transport, Supt Glasser said that was also being investigated.
“That’s forming part of our inquiries,” he said.
“We are working closely with Australian Border Force and the Department of Home Affairs as this investigation progresses.”
He confirmed the two victims were contractors working for Villawood Detention Centre.
“It’s our understanding the male was being transported from Villawood to Sydney Airport at the time of the incident,” he said.
The man is believed to have fled westbound from James Ruse Drive towards Harris Park.
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