Tragic images from Westfield Bondi Junction show bodies being carried out of the shopping complex, after a lone attacker fatally stabbed six people and injured many more.
Joel Cauchi, 40, entered Westfield at 3.10pm and again at 3.20pm, before embarking on a violent attack on several levels of the crowded shopping centre, armed with a knife.
As of Sunday morning, seven people, including Mr. Cauchi, had died and about 12 people were in hospital; nine who were transferred there from the scene and three who had arrived at the medical facility of their own volition.
Crews are working to remove bodies from the scene on Sunday after six people were killed in an attack at Sydney’s Westfield Bondi Junction on Saturday. Image: NCA NewsWire / Monique Harmer
Police on Sunday identified the attacker as Queensland man Joel Cauchi. Photo: 9 NEWS
Assignment Freelance Picture Ash Good was murdered just hours after posting this photo of her and her baby Harriet. Photo: Instagram
Among those hospitalized is nine-month-old baby Harriet, whose mother, Ash Good, died in the attack.
Dawn Singleton, daughter of millionaire businessman John Singleton, also lost her life in the attack.
Workers could be seen carrying bodies, wrapped in a brown bag, to the front of a long line of white vans, which had arrived to take away the victims and their killer, who was shot dead by police.
Their faces were downcast as they wheeled the stretchers out of the mall.
The workers appeared dejected as they worked to remove the bodies from the scene. Image: NCA NewsWire / Monique Harmer
The shopping center will remain closed for the foreseeable future, although measures are being taken to help those who were forced to flee on Saturday, leaving their cars behind.
Acting New South Wales Premier Penny Sharpe said on morning television that Westfield was working with the government.
“It’s a crime scene. We have to make sure every little detail is nailed down,” Ms Sharpe said.
The bodies were loaded into white vans, lined up outside the center. Image: NCA NewsWire / Monique Harmer
Police invaded the shopping complex on Saturday. Image: NCA NewsWire / Monique Harmer
There are about 1,500 cars locked in the parking areas. Shoppers were asked to leave their cars when the mall closed.
From 10am NSW time, people will be notified when they can collect their cars, Sharpe said.
NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Anthony Cooke said police would “quickly” make arrangements to let people know when they can retrieve their belongings and vehicles from the shopping centre.