Desperate search after supermarket worker killed in Darwin

A man has died after being stabbed at a supermarket in Darwin, police are still searching for the alleged offender.

A desperate search is on for an alleged attacker after a man was fatally stabbed at a supermarket in Darwin.

The incident occurred at the Nightcliff Five Star Supermarket on Progress Drive about 5.15pm on Wednesday.

The store owner, 71, was allegedly stabbed while trying to stop an alleged shoplifter.

He died at the scene.

DARWIN, AUSTRALIA- NewsWire Photos- APRIL 23, 2025 Emergency services rushed to Nightcliff Supermarket after a male worker was stabbed there on Wednesday night. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin/ NewsWire

A woman who was shopping with her husband at the time the alleged offender was attempting to steal items when he was confronted by staff and asked to leave.

He allegedlystabbed the owner with an edged weapon, before fleeing the scene on a bike.

The witness told the NT News she was one of the first to call emergency services about 5.17pm, after the man was stabbed.

“As soon as we entered we heard the voice (of the man), he tried to kick (him out), while (he was) stealing things,” she said.

“Two staff members directed him to the door and suddenly (he) took out a knife and stabbed the man … and he collapsed.”

She said a few bystanders tried to come to the victims aid, and stop the bleeding.

Sha alleged that the offender was Aboriginal in appearance, “skinny” and wearing black clothes.

Staff in the shopping precinct had previously voiced concerns about safety in the area. Pema Tamang Pakhrin/ NewsWire

Police are searching for the alleged offender, and are yet to provide further details. Picture: Darcy Fitzgerald/ NewsWire

A witness reported that police arrived after about 15 minutes, and ambulance after roughly 10 minutes, but this has not been officially confirmed.

Traumatised staff stood frozen outside the shops after witnessing the event, many shopper also fled the store.

Months ago, staff at the Friendly Grocer supermarket voiced concerns about safety in the area, despite a new police precinct opening across the road, due to the lack of police presence.

The ABC reported police are still searching for the alleged offender.

Police have confirmed the incident, but are yet to provide further details into what occurred and the identity of the alleged murderer.

Originally published as Desperate search after supermarket worker killed in Darwin