NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb has revealed it could be weeks before the six victims of the horrific Bondi Junction attack are identified.
Police Commissioner Webb admitted this at a press conference on Sunday, revealing that two of the victims were from overseas.
“It may be some time before we can identify all the victims, because some family members do not reside in Australia,” he said.
Police Commissioner Webb said help was being offered to families and friends affected by the attack.
“A family liaison officer has been appointed for each family for us to work with them at what is an extremely distressing time for them,” he said.
Six innocent people died after Joel Cauchi, 40, went on a terrifying stabbing spree in the local Westfield on Saturday.
Among the victims was 38-year-old mother Ashlee Good and her nine-month-old baby Harriet, who was injured and remains in serious but stable condition.
Cauchi was shot by New South Wales Police Inspector Amy Scott, who was one of the first officers to arrive at the scene.
NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb has revealed it could be weeks before the six victims of the horrific Bondi Junction attack are identified.
NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said identification of Saturday’s Westfield massacre could take weeks.
The bodies of the victims and their attacker were removed from Bondi Junction Westfield on Sunday morning.
Devastated locals came together to show their support for the Westfield victims by placing moving tributes at the site of the attack on Sunday.
Residents place flowers on a nearby sidewalk outside Westfield, attaching heartfelt messages to the bouquets.
With what began as a humble bouquet of pink flowers with the simple message “RIP” and a love heart, the tribute has grown considerably.
Many children were accompanied by their parents to lay their floral tribute in Sydney’s popular shopping area.
A woman with a toddler and a baby in a stroller was seen laying flowers, no doubt moved by the plight of Mrs Good and her nine-month-old baby.
While the flowers were being laid, emergency services were seen carrying the victims’ bodies out of the shopping center on stretchers.
A row of white vans were parked on the other side, waiting to transport the victims and the deceased attacker from the scene.
Children are seen laying flowers in tribute to the victims and people fighting for life in the hospital.
Locals have come together to show a strong show of support.
The outpouring of grief has united residents
The workers seemed dejected as they removed the bodies, which were in maroon bags.
Shortly after leaving the shopping center, the vans passed by the floral tributes, which were located next to the closed road.
Federal MP for Wentworth Allegra Spender described it as “heartbreaking”.
‘We are all devastated by the shocking attack in Bondi Junction, where innocent people were murdered in a senseless act of violence. It’s heartbreaking,’ he said.
‘My deepest condolences to the victims, their families and all those affected. Our thoughts are with each and every one of them.”
Waverley Mayor Paula Masselos said she was left in “complete disbelief.”
“It’s a close-knit community, people know each other because it’s a gathering place and it’s considered safe, especially Westfield where parents bring their kids,” he said.
‘It’s important to note that… this guy was acting alone. He was known to Queensland Police. “So we believe there were mental health issues.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the attack.
“Yesterday’s events have shocked the nation,” he said.
“Australians are waking up to try to deal with the shock and trauma that what has happened will bring, with violent actions that are unspeakable and truly beyond comprehension.”
“People shopping on Saturday afternoon should be safe, they should not be at risk, but tragically we saw a loss of life and people will be mourning their loved ones today.”
‘We also know that there are many people still in hospital dealing with their recovery and our thoughts and prayers are with them. We also thank our police and emergency services at this time.’
Heartfelt messages were attached to some of the bouquets left at the scene on Sunday.
One of many children who visited the site with bereaved families on Sunday.
The floral tributes began with a simple bouquet and grow by the hour.