Blacktown stabbing: Teenager dead others critical in horror brawl
Police have released the dramatic helicopter footage of the aftermath of the Blacktown stabbing brawl which has left one teen dead and another two fighting for their lives.
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Police have released dramatic helicopter footage of the moment officers swooped on suspects of the Blacktown fatal stabbing brawl.
A teenager died and two others are fighting for their lives following the incident in western Sydney.
Emergency services rushed to the intersection of Suffolk St and William St, Blacktown, following reports of a brawl about 10pm Wednesday.
It is thought around a dozen youths were involved, with some as young as 14.
Five people are now in custody with police describing the level of violence and injuries suffered as “confronting”.
The officer in charge also said he could not rule out the involvement of gang violence.
On Thursday evening police released Polair vision which shows a number of suspects following the attack.
The footage appears to show a number of suspects hiding behind a tree before one moves to behind a fence.
Before long a police car approaches and officers appear to arrest the man behind the fence.
A police dog then appears to find the person behind a tree.
The footage then switches to a suspect running for a considerable distance before he slows to a walk.
Moments later a police car pulls up and he is arrested.
A number of teenage boys were found with stab wounds and were treated by paramedics.
Despite the best efforts of paramedics, an 17-year-old died at the scene.
Two boys – both aged 15 – were treated at the scene before being taken to Westmead Hospital in a critical, and serious, condition.
Police confirmed midmorning on Thursday that five people are now in custody as investigations continue
A 21-year-old man and four teenagers – a 14-year-old and three aged 17 – were arrested by officers, with assistance from Polair.
The man and one 17-year-old boy were taken to Blacktown Police Station.
The second 17-year-old boy was taken to Riverstone Police Station.
The third 17-year-old boy was taken to Blacktown Hospital, and the 14-year-old boy was taken to Westmead Hospital. Both boys remain under police guard.
A further three men – a 19-year-old man and two aged 18 – were taken to Mt Druitt Police Station and spoken to by police.
All three men have been released pending further inquiries.
Superintendent Steve Egginton said it was an extensive crime scene which stretched for around a kilometre.
He described the incident as being “particularly violent,” adding “The injuries to our victim and the victims in hospital is a testament to the level of violence that was used.”
He confirmed knives were used and said gang violence was a line of inquiry.
“The level of violence is quite confronting,” he said. “It looks like around 12 people were involved from 21 (years of age) down to 14.”
NSW Ambulance inspector Peter Van Praag attended the scene on Wednesday night and said it was challenging for the team.
“It was a very challenging scene for our team with multiple patients spread out over quite a distance with varying injuries,” Mr Van Praag said.
“I’d like to thank our colleagues at NSW Police for always keeping scenes like this safe for us to do our job.”
Police say a number of people are assisting with inquiries.
Anyone with information about the incident, or dashcam or CCTV from the area is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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