5 killed in crowded Sydney mall stabbing; attacker shot dead

Sydney: "Multiple people" were stabbed at a busy Sydney shopping mall, according to information that Australian police received on Saturday. Six persons, including the assailant, have died in the incident, according to the police.

"She confronted the offender who had moved by this stage to level five as she continued to walk quickly behind him to catch up with him. He turned faced her raised a knife. She discharged a firearm and that person is now deceased," the police said.

"I'm advised that there are five victims who are now deceased as a result of the actions of this offender," police added.

Amidst the throng of Saturday afternoon shoppers, the incidents took place at the sprawling Westfield Bondi Junction shopping complex.

Police have asked customers to stay away from the mall, which has been sealed down, AFP reported.

Police had shot and killed a man, according to New South Wales Ambulance, which spoke with AFP. He is thought to be among the assailants.

It was unclear at first what the motivation was.

Witnesses reported that there was a panicked situation, with police attempting to secure the area and shoppers rushing to safety.

A supermarket provided refuge for a number of people, who stayed there for around an hour.

The air was filled with the sound of helicopters and police sirens.

Local media released security camera footage of a man running about the mall holding a big knife and injured people lying on the ground.