Gold Coast crime: Manhunt for Varsity Lakes knife-wielding attacker

Gold Coast police are calling for sanity as a man remains on the run after stabbing a fellow bus passenger multiple times

POLICE are pleading with parents to talk to their kids about the “absolutely fatal” consequences that can come from using a knife in a fight.

A recent spike in knife-related crime, including the alleged murder of Jack Beasley, the use of knives in robberies and the stabbing of a 13-year-old boy in a park across the road from a busy shopping centre is a concern for local cops.

It comes as a man is on the run after stabbing a fellow bus passenger in the face, shoulder and hand, following an argument over a designer bag in Varsity Lakes.

Detective Inspector Chris Ahearn said the small spike in crime was a concern.

“Any knife-related crimes on the Gold Coast are a concern to us,” he said.

GOLD COAST CRIME: KNIFE-WIELDING ATTACK ON VARSITY LAKES BUS

Detective Inspector Chris Ahearn speaking outside Southport Police Station. Picture: Luke Mortimer

“Our message is that if you are out there thinking of carrying a knife you should think again, because there are serious consequences for doing so, and there are also serious consequences if you choose to use a knife in a dangerous manner.”

He pleaded with parents to talk to their kids about the dangers of using knives, while saying police were actively talking to students about the potential consequences.

“It is something parents should be talking to their kids about. People need to have a long, hard think about what they do and if they choose to carry a knife with them there will be serious consequences.

“We have our crime-prevention officers who do a lot of great work in schools and they often have a narrative with kids of the dangers of using knives.

“Any rational person should know and understand if you are going to use a knife in a violent way the consequences can be absolutely fatal.

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“People think it is appropriate to walk around with a knife on them then decide for them to get in altercations not good idea.”

Det Insp Ahearn said the Yodelay Street, Varsity Lakes, stabbing on Monday night was random. The vicious assault was allegedly over a Gucci backpack containing headphones and a wallet.

“The offender refused to pay and the driver who chose to deal with that maintained the safety of other passengers on board.

“We understand that when the bus stopped the offender thought it was a good opportunity to take the bag and make an escape.

“The bus driver did a very good job in this instance to make sure the man received treatment in a timely manner.”

The victim was transported to Gold Coast University Hospital for emergency hand surgery, and has not made a formal complaint.

Queensland Police Service (QPS) describe the offender as a caucasian male in his early 20s, wearing a green and white stripped collar long sleeve shirt, khaki coloured pants, and black Nike type thongs.

If you have any information that can assist police with their inquiries contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.