‘Terrorism’: Sydney student stabbed in neck
A teenage boy who allegedly stabbed a university student with a kitchen knife was known to police and security services, NSW Police have said.
Emergency services rushed to The University of Sydney at Camperdown on Tuesday morning following reports a male student had been stabbed in the neck with a kitchen knife.
NSW Police Assistant Commissioner for Counter Terror and Special Tactics Command Mark Walton said the 14-year-old was dressed in a camouflage defence force uniform when he allegedly attacked the 22-year-old student at 8.46am, shutting down the campus.
“I am unable to provide many comments on the matter at this time … but there are concerns about youth being radicalised in the online environments,” he said on Tuesday afternoon.
“I urge parents to be aware of this risk to their children.”
Police have not determined a specific motive, he said, and the ideology propelling the act of violence has been labelled “mixed and unclear”.
Assistant Commissioner Walton stressed the attack was not religiously motivated, not connected to pro-Palestine sentiment and not linked to an alleged terror incident in Newcastle last week.
The 14-year-old fled the scene and then presented to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, where he is currently undergoing a mental health assessment.
The student victim, an Australian national, did not suffer serious injuries and he is expected to recover from the attack.
There is no indication the attack was anti-Semitic, Assistant Commissioner Walton said.
He decried what he called a “toxic” internet pushing Australian youth into extremism, and said the teenager was known to police.
Assistant Commissioner Walton said counter-terror investigators were dealing with a growing cohort of children and teenagers aged 12 to 16 in their caseloads.
“The internet is toxic,” he said.
“It’s very easy for young people to self radicalise.
“Parents should have an appreciation of what their kids are looking at online.”
The Australian Federal Police is working with the NSW Police on the incident.
Emergency services rushed to the institution’s Camperdown campus shortly after 8.45am on Tuesday following reports of a stabbing.
Attending officers quickly established a crime scene and were told a male had boarded a bus on Parramatta Rd.
The teen was arrested a short time later near Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and is assisting police with inquiries.
The boy and the victim are not believed to be known to each other.
NSW Police have confirmed there is no ongoing risk to the community, with the counter-terrorism unit now investigating.
The incident reportedly sent the busy university campus into lockdown.
A staff member told The Sydney Morning Herald that security had ordered everyone inside the Charles Perkins Centre to stay inside the building.
“They said there has been a stabbing and we all have to stay inside until they’ve sorted it,” he said.
The building has now reopened.
Emergency services have since left the scene but forensic investigators continue to scour the area that has now been deserted by students.
One officer inspected a black backpack that appeared to have been dumped at a fence along the university’s perimeter.
A university spokesman said an increased security and police presence would remain on campus as investigations into the attack continued.
“The safety and wellbeing of our students, staff and members of the community is our priority, and we continue to work with authorities,” a spokesman said.
The university has offered free counselling to any staff or students who may need help following the stabbing.
“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,” a spokesman said.
“Twenty-four-hour support is also available from Lifeline via text, online chat or by calling 13 11 14.”
