‘Life-threatening’: 13yo charged with attempt to murder after Coles worker allegedly stabbed at shopping centre in southeast Queensland

Police have revealed more information about a Coles worker who was allegedly stabbed by a 13-year-old boy, plunging a shopping centre into lockdown.

Police say a Coles worker allegedly stabbed by a 13-year-old boy in Queensland’s southeast still had the knife in her back as she was taken to hospital.

Emergency services were called to Yamanto Central near Warwick Rd about 5.25pm on Monday following reports a 63-year-old woman had suffered stab wounds.

Police allege a 13-year-old boy approached a Coles staff member before he allegedly stabbed her with a knife.

He then fled the scene before bystanders managed to detain him, police allege.

The woman was found with a serious injury to her back when officers arrived at the scene.

Police were called to the Coles supermarket at the Yamanto Central shopping centre near Ipswich, after an employee was allegedly stabbed. Picture: NewsWire/ Liam Kidston

Emergency services were called to the Coles at Yamanto Central Monday evening. Picture: 7News

She was taken to Princess Alexandra Hospital in a potentially life-threatening condition, according to the Queensland Ambulance Service.

It is understood she remained in a critical condition as of Tuesday.

The 13-year-old boy was charged with attempt to murder.

His matter was briefly mentioned in Ipswich Children’s Court on Tuesday.

The boy, who was not required to appear before court, was represented by the duty lawyer.

The court was told a full brief of evidence was ordered to be provided and would take six weeks.

The matter was adjourned to February 25 for further mention.

The boy did not make an application for bail and remains on remand.

Queensland Police Inspector Michael Manago said police would allege it was a random attack.

“This is an abhorrent crime that occurred to an innocent 63-year-old woman who was going about her daily employment at her shopping centre, and it shouldn’t happen in society today,” Inspector Manago said.

Police will investigate how the 13-year-old came to be in possession of the knife, with Inspector Mango confirming there were no calls made to police about him before the attack.

A 13-year-old boy was charged with attempt to murder. Picture: 7News

A Coles spokeswoman thanked emergency services for their assistance and confirmed the company was working with Queensland police on the investigation.

“Our thoughts are with our store team member and their family after the distressing incident that occurred on Monday,” the spokeswoman said.

“We are committed to providing them with support, as well as their colleagues who are being offered counselling during this difficult time.

“The safety of our customers and team members is our number one priority.”

A witness has recalled the moment the 13-year-old boy was chased down through the shopping centre following the alleged incident.

“The next thing he was sprinting, there was like 15 people chasing after him and he was walked out in cuffs and everything … I was just shocked because he was so little,” the witness told 9News.

Others have reported the boy looked as though he was as young as 10, with witnesses telling Sunrise he was dressed in a Disney T-shirt at the time.

Any witnesses and anyone with video footage or information has been urged to come forward.

Originally published as ‘Life-threatening’: 13yo charged with attempt to murder after Coles worker allegedly stabbed at shopping centre in southeast Queensland