Caretaker in hospital, Potts Point man charged after stabbing at Sydney school

A man has been charged after a caretaker in his 60s was stabbed on the premises of a Woolloomooloo school on Wednesday morning.

Police have arrested a man following a stabbing at a Woolloomooloo primary school on Wednesday morning, that has landed a man in his 60s in hospital.

About 7.15am on Wednesday, emergency services were called to the Plunkett Street Public School on Forbes St in Woolloomooloo, where a 61-year-old man, who is a maintenance contractor, was stabbed in the forearm.

The man was treated at the scene by staff members before NSW Ambulance paramedics arrived to take over.

He was taken to St Vincent’s Hospital in a stable condition with injuries that are not life-threatening, and has since been released.

A 35-year old man who is known to police was arrested by highway patrol officers nearby on South Dowling St in Woolloomooloo and was taken to Surry Hills Police station where he was charged with seven offences including wound person with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, stalking/intimidation, possession of a prohibited drug and custody of a knife in a public place.

A male was stabbed at or outside the Plunkett St Public School Woolloomooloo early today , police at the scene. Picture John Grainger

The alleged attacker, from Potts Point was refused bail to appear in Parramatta Local Court on Thursday.

Police believe the alleged attacker entered the school grounds and was confronted by the long-term school caretaker who was cleaning the grounds using a leaf blower at the time.

A short conversation ensued between the two men at the front gates before police say the 35-year-old allegedly produced a knife from his clothing and launched it at the older man.

The 61-year-old raised his arms over his body in defence and the knife sank into his right forearm.

Police are investigating a stabbing at Plunkett Street Public School.

Police say the alleged incident could have had a far more grim outcome had the man not protected himself.

They say the attack was interrupted by a “brave” 58-year-old staff member who challenged the alleged attacker.

“The acts of staff that came to render aid to the 61-year-old man were nothing short of brave and compassionate and they ought to be commended for their actions,” Acting Superintendent Chris Nicholson said.

Police at the scene . Picture John Grainger

A male was stabbed at Plunkett St Public School. Police at the scene . Picture John Grainger

Police say the 35-year-old may have wandered through the school grounds for a short time after the alleged incident before fleeing to nearby streets.

Superintendent Nicholson said it was early in the investigation but they believed the two men were not known to each other and the location of the alleged incident was most likely random.

The motivations of the alleged offender, who is believed to be from the Granville area, remain under investigation.

Police have located two knives, including a 15cm kitchen knife, but are yet to confirm if they were involved in the alleged incident.

“I don’t think parents should be concerned about sending their kids to school,” Superintendent Nicholson said.

“I think this was a random coincidence in terms of the location at the school

“This area, Kings Cross, Woolloomooloo is a very safe area generally speaking … this kind of incident occurring is very rare.”

Plunkett St Public School in Woolloomooloo.

A crime scene has been established at the school and the grounds were swiftly closed for the rest of the school day.

NSW Police confirmed that the man who was stabbed was a member of staff at Plunkett Street Public School however was not a teacher.

No students were present at the time of the stabbing.