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Tourist stabbed near train station for her mobile phone needed 300 stitches

It was a crime that shocked Perth, and threatened to damage the city's reputation.

An Italian tourist was stabbed five times, police say by a teenager who only wanted her mobile phone.

Stella Trevisani has needed 300 stitches, but she could still manage a smile from her hospital bed on Tuesday after her terrifying ordeal.

Stella Trevisani manages a smiles from her hospital bed. Source: 7 News
Stella Trevisani manages a smiles from her hospital bed. Source: 7 News

The Premier moved to reassure international visitors Western Australia is safe, while generous donations from the public have convinced Ms Trevisani to stay.

The 27-year-old was stabbed five times in a frenzied attack as she walked to the Claisebrook train station after work on Saturday night.

Stella needed 300 stitches after a frenzied stabbing attack near a Perth train station. Source: 7 News
Stella needed 300 stitches after a frenzied stabbing attack near a Perth train station. Source: 7 News

"I could see the blood like springing out, so I said I'm gonna die," Ms Trevisani recalled.

When Stella didn't come home, her boyfriend went looking for her. He only found out what had happened when he approached police at the crime scene.

The random attack made Billy-Joe Birch question staying in Perth.

"Initially I was like 'right, that's it we're going somewhere quieter and nice'," he said.

Stella's boyfriend said they had thought about leaving Perth. Source: 7 News
Stella's boyfriend said they had thought about leaving Perth. Source: 7 News

For a state where Quokka selfies have made international headlines, the brutal crime has threatened to damage Perth's reputation.

"I'm very sorry it's occurred," Premier Mark McGowan said.

"I'd say to everyone around the world that, by world standards, Perth and Western Australia are very safe places and encourage all tourists to come here."

What Stella went through has struck a chord.

The generosity and well wishes of complete strangers has made the couple rethink leaving. Source: 7 News
The generosity and well wishes of complete strangers has made the couple rethink leaving. Source: 7 News

More than 200 people - many of them Perth locals - have donated to her GoFundMe page with messages such as: "I was appalled by what happened to you," and "Sorry this has happened to you in our city."

The couple say they wouldn't dream of leaving now.

"As Stella says, you don't let one weed ruin a beautiful lawn," Billy-Joe Birch said.