Woolworths pulls knives, scissors from sales after Melbourne store stabbing

Woolworths has made a major announcement after a customer was brutally stabbed inside one of its Melbourne stores.

Woolworths has pulled knives and scissors from shelves nationwide after a customer was brutally stabbed inside one of its Melbourne stores.

Police have charged a man with attempted murder after the alleged attack in Brunswick on Monday.

Woolworths confirmed on Wednesday the company had temporarily removed both items from sales across all stores across Australia.

“Following a distressing incident at one of our Victorian stores, we’ve taken the precautionary step of temporarily withdrawing knives and scissors from sale nationwide,” a spokesman said.

“We’re undertaking a risk assessment on our store safety controls before determining our next step.

Woolworths has pulled knives and scissors from sale after a stabbing at a Melbourne supermarket.

“We apologise for the inconvenience and appreciate the understanding of our customers at this time.”

The man in police custody is accused of stabbing two men and threatening to kill others during the alleged attack in Melbourne’s inner north.

Two men – a shopper and a security guard – were rushed to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries after allegedly being stabbed in Barkly Square shopping centre.

Police respond to an alleged stabbing at Barkly Square in Brunswick in Melbourne’s inner north. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Andrew Henshaw

Police speak to witnesses at the scene of the alleged stabbing. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Andrew Henshaw

The 60-year-old shopper was standing in the checkout queue at about 8am on Monday when he heard yelling behind him.

Police allege that when he turned around, he was stabbed in the upper body by another man in the queue.

It is further alleged that a short time later, a security guard approached the man after hearing yelling, before he was also stabbed.

Police speak to witnesses at the scene of an alleged stabbing at Barkly Square Shopping Centre. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Andrew Henshaw

The Barkly Square shopping centre in Brunswick was closed while police investigated. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Andrew Henshaw

A 20-year-old man from Brunswick was later taken into custody.

“The alleged offender was arrested at the scene and has been conveyed to hospital with self-inflicted wounds,” the police spokeswoman said.

Acting Senior Sergeant Sam Petch said there was nothing to suggest the incident was anything other than a random attack.

“The male is receiving a mental health assessment and he will be treated in hospital,” she said.

Police confirmed the man has since been charged with attempted murder, intentionally and recklessly causing serious injury, making threats to kill and theft.

He is expected to face Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday afternoon.

The shopping centre was evacuated while police responded to the incident, and staff at other stores within the centre barricaded themselves inside.

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