UPDATE 2 - 7 killed in Sydney shopping center stabbings

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By Anadolu staff

ANKARA (AA) - At least seven people were killed and several others critically injured in a stabbing spree at a shopping center in Sydney on Saturday, the police and emergency services said.

The alleged offender, who is believed to have acted alone and engaged with "about nine people" was shot dead by a lone police officer who encountered him.

A spokesperson for the emergency services of New South Wales, of which Sydney is the capital, said that at least nine people, including a nine-month-old baby, have been stabbed and taken to hospitals across Sydney.

The baby has been taken to Sydney Children's Hospital at Randwick, while other victims were taken to different nearby hospitals, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported, citing the spokesperson.

Assistant Commissioner Anthony Cooke said that several injured are in serious condition.

Cooke told a news conference that police were still attempting to identify the offender.

"I do not have information in relation to the offender. I do not know at this stage who he is."

The police haven't found any indication of any motive or any ideology, although they were not ruling out terrorism.

Police said emergency services were called to Westfield Bondi Junction in the eastern part of Sydney, just before 4 p.m. (local time) after reports of multiple people being stabbed, Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported.

Eyewitnesses told police shots were also fired.

A single unit officer inspector who was nearby confronted the offender.

The attacker, however, turned to her with a knife before the inspector "discharged a firearm," the police added.

"That person is now deceased," it added.

"A critical incident has commenced following the shooting of a male at Bondi Junction," police said in a statement.

Footage aired on local broadcasters showed a large number of emergency vehicles and personnel.

Armed police could also be seen conducting a search on the roof where the car park is located.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has called the mass stabbing "devastating."

Albanese said he has been briefed by Australian Federal Police after the attack by a man at Bondi Junction Westfield on a busy Saturday afternoon.

In a statement, New South Wales Premier Chris Minns said: “I am horrified to hear about the events at Bondi Junction this afternoon. I want to thank NSW Police, emergency services and first responders and the community for their bravery in the face of this shocking incident.”