One man dead and another fighting for life in St Peters stabbing
Successful Sydney property developer Albert Metledge was stabbed to death and his son Antony left fighting for life in an attack allegedly carried out by a worker — who remained on the run from police on Wednesday night.
Inner West
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A successful Sydney property developer was stabbed to death and his son left fighting for life in an attack allegedly carried out by a worker — who remained on the run from police on Wednesday night.
Albert Metledge, 74, died from stab wounds about 1pm on the footpath outside the development site on Applebee St, St Peters — a project he is believed to have owned.
His son Antony Metledge, 33, was also stabbed and left writhing in agony, the knife still embedded in his flesh, as paramedics rushed him to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in a critical condition.
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Police suspect the 49-year-old man accused of the attack fled as screams were heard across the worksite, and hitchhiked to the Rockdale area.
It is understood a driver man who gave the fugitive a lift described him as a Russian national.
“We ask the public that if they see this man to contact triple-0, do not approach the man,” Police Inspector Chad Deegenaars warned yesterday. “We believe that he is capable of a violent act — which he has done today.
“What we do know is the parties were known to each other. It doesn’t appear to be a random attack.”
Mr Metledge Sr, who is a prominent figure in Sydney’s inner-west property development circles, is believed to be the developer of the project where the incident unfolded. The Strathfield-based businessman was one of the key players in the Inner West development spree, as a director of ARM Holdings.
The group was behind a $16 million, 51-apartment project on Lyons St, Strathfield in 2016.
Department of Finance records showed ARM Holdings has also secured three contracts with the Department of Defence worth almost $52 million for the lease of the family’s property portfolio.
Family members and loved ones who arrived at the scene yesterday had been greeted with “the worst news anyone can hear”, Insp Deegenaars said.
“It’s a very traumatic incident,” he said.
“It’s traumatic for the family, for the co-workers and for the police and emergency services who respond.
“We’ve been given great assistance from the other workers here. Obviously it’s upsetting for the family, but everyone is assisting.”
He added that a motive was yet to be established.
“We are covering all avenues, all addresses,” Insp Deegenaars said.
Relative Brian Metledge said his family was in shock.
“RIP Uncle Albert,” he wrote in a moving tribute on Facebook. “The family is in shock and unable to talk or see anyone at the moment.
“We thank everyone but request privacy at this moment. Please let family and friends know.”
Antony is former student of prestigious private school Trinity Grammar in Summer Hill. His social media account reveals he has travelled extensively, staying in luxury hotels around the world including Dubai, Singapore and Lebanon.
A large-scale manhunt for the alleged attacker was under way last night involving the Public Order and Riot Squad, Dog Unit, Police Air Unit and the Central Metropolitan Command.
The wanted man was described as being of caucasian appearance, about 180cm tall, with a large build and a shaved head. He was last seen wearing a high-visibility yellow shirt, long blue work pants and brown work boots.
The attack came just a day after a City of Sydney council contractor was stabbed in nearby Alexandria.
He remained in hospital in a serious condition.
