Australia: Police shoot perpetrator of stabbing attack in shopping center in Pilbara region May 1

Event

Police shot dead a man who carried out a knife attack at a shopping center in the town of South Hedland in the Pilbara region (Western Australia state) on Friday, May 1. Police were dispatched to the South Hedland shopping center at around 10:00 (local time) following reports of a man armed with a knife. At least five people were injured in the knife attack before officers discharged a firearm to neutralize the attacker. The motive for the attack has not been confirmed and police have asked the public to avoid the shopping center whilst they carry out their investigation into the incident.

A heightened security presence and residual disruption are to be expected in the vicinity of the shopping center in the near term.

Advice

Individuals in South Headland and the surrounding area are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid the area of the incident, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.