Sydney Uni attack: Alleged teen stabber previously charged with planning ‘Christchurch-style attack’
A 14-year-old was charged with planning a terror attack at a Sydney school less than a year before he allegedly stabbed a man outside the University of Sydney, but the charges were dismissed.
NSW
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A 14-year-old was charged with planning a terror attack at a Sydney school less than a year before he allegedly stabbed a man outside the University of Sydney, but the charges were dismissed.
The teen was charged over what sources said were plans to carry out an alleged ‘Christchurch-style’ attack last September, but The Daily Telegraph can reveal they were dismissed in Surry Hills Children’s Court on mental health grounds in February this year.
It is understood the teen was put into a deradicalisation program under the Department of Community and Justice.
Assistant Commissioner Mark Walton confirmed the teen was known to police and government agencies, but would not divulge the nature of the interactions.
NSW Police sources said it is believed terror is a likely motive for the attack which saw the teenager, dressed in an army camouflage uniform, allegedly stab a 22-year-old student in the neck with a kitchen knife about 8.35am on Parramatta Road, near the university’s main entrance.
The student was taken by ambulance to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in a stable condition.
The teenage boy allegedly fled, catching a bus from the university to RPA, where, covered in blood having suffered cuts to his hand, it’s understood he told hospital staff.
Police attended the hospital and arrested the inner west youth. who they suspect injured his hand during the stabbing. He underwent treatment for minor injuries and is undergoing a mental health assessment.
A joint counter terrorism taskforce (JCTT) involving the NSW Police, AFP and other government agencies, has been set up to take over the investigation.
A motive or ideology has not been determined, police said.
POLICE SCOUR SCENE
By early afternoon, police had spent several hours scouring the scene for evidence, with forensic officers seizing a number of items, including a backpack and jacket that was left at the scene.
Specialist officers also did a line search along the perimeter of the TAG Foundation Grandstand – believed to be searching for the weapon used.
They searched through shrubs and drains along Science Rd, and studied a trail of blood spatters left on the cement.
One student, who wished to remain anonymous, said they were at a cafe inside the Charles Perkins Centre when they heard sirens.
“All of a sudden there were all these sirens and someone rushed into lock the doors,” they said.
“They said someone had been badly hurt but we didn’t know it was a stabbing.
“To find out someone was stabbed like that is really scary.
“I’m freaked out.”
In a statement, NSW Police said it was not believed the alleged attacker – who is understood to have a history of mental health issues – or the victim were known to each other.
The University of Sydney sent a note out to students saying increased security would be seen on campus as police investigated.
“As a precautionary measure there may be an increased security and police presence on campus while investigations continue,” a University of Sydney spokesman said.
“The safety and wellbeing of our students, staff and members of the community is our priority, and we continue to work with authorities.
“Our support services are available for anyone who needs assistance. You can access free and confidential counselling and wellbeing support 24/7 with Student Wellbeing by visiting the health and wellbeing web page. 24-hour support is also available from Lifeline via text, online chat, or by calling 13 11 14. ”
In a message to all staff and students, Vice Chancellor Mark Scott said he was “shocked and saddened” by the incident.
He confirmed the victim of the attack is a student of the university, and is in a serious but stable condition in hospital.
As a “precautionary measure” 15 buildings have been placed on “secure mode”, meaning students must swipe their ID cards to access them, he said.
“NSW Police have arrested the alleged attacker and have assured us that there is no ongoing threat to the community,” Prof Scott wrote.
“We will continue working with police as their investigation continues and we will provide more details to our community later today.”
RESPONSE FROM SYDNEY UNIVERSITY
In an email to university staff on Tuesday afternoon, Vice Chancellor Mark Scott confirmed police had advised there is no known link between the alleged attacker and the university.
The university has also contacted the alleged victim’s family to offer support, he said.
“I am deeply shocked and saddened something like this has happened on our campus,” Prof Scott wrote.
“It is a reminder that while tens of thousands of people gather safely together daily during semesters, we are not immune to the challenges our global community is facing.”
Security has been beefed up with an increased presence of guards at the main entrances to the Camperdown campus for the foreseeable future, and a clinician will be available for witnesses and other staff affected by the incident.
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