A man was killed, and two others were critically injured in a stabbing attack in western Sydney on Tuesday morning, police said.

Emergency services were called to a busy shopping strip in Sydney at about 10:00 a.m. local time following reports that a man stabbed multiple people before fleeing on foot.

This is according to the New South Wales Police Force.

Paramedics treated three people for serious injuries at the scene.

A man believed to be in his 30s or 40s died at the scene, said Superintendent Simon Glasser.

The two other victims, a 22-year-old man and a 47-year-old woman ,were taken to the hospital in critical condition.

Police said a suspect was arrested a short time later following an operation in the area.

“The alleged offender is known to police for petty crime and a number of mental health incidents,” Mr Glasser said, adding that the suspect was expected to appear in court later on Tuesday.

“It’s very early in the investigation. Police are unaware at this point what the motive was. However, it appears it was a random attack,” he said.

“It’s a horrible offence to have taken place in Merrylands just prior to lunchtime, with lots of people around,” Mr Glasser added.
(dpa/NAN)