Sydney stabbing: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese describes fatal attack at Bondi Junction shopping centre

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has described the fatal stabbing attacks at Sydney’s Westfield Bondi Junction shopping centre as beyond words and understanding.

Albanese on Saturday evening offered condolences to victims and their families and sent “strength” to those who have been injured in the traumatic incident that unfolded shortly after 3pm at a Westfield in Bondi Junction.

“This was a horrific act of violence, indiscriminately targeted at innocent people going about an ordinary Saturday doing their shopping,” he said.

“Our nation offers our deepest condolences and sympathies for all those who are grieving for someone they have lost and we send our strength to those who have been injured.”

Albanese has stressed for people not to speculate on the motive of the attack as authorities work to determine it.

“The (Australian Federal Police) Commissioner has made it clear that speculation, certainly not from myself, would be unhelpful at this time,” he said.

“We should allow the investigators to go about their work.

“The motive at this stage is unknown and we will of course continue to update the Australian public as more information is known.

“It would appear that this person has acted alone and the motives are not known yet and speculation on that would not be helpful at this time.”

AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw said AFP officers have been deployed to the scene, along with “full specialist capabilities” including digital forensics.

“I want to reassure the community that the AFP is providing NSW police with whatever support is required,” he said.

“And finally I would like to give my condolences to the victims and families out there.

“Having spoken to the NSW Police Commissioner, at this stage, it is too early to give that assessment, however, all the agencies, the right agencies, are working together to make that assessment.”

Albanese also commended the work of the brave female police officer who “rushed to the danger”.

“I spoke before about the bravery that has been exhibited here. The bravery of the police officer, who entered the proceedings that were taking place, obviously very dangerous by herself, she is certainly a hero,” he said.

“There is no doubt that she has saved lives by her action and it is a reminder that those people who wear uniform are people who rush to danger not away from it, and I give thanks to every one of them for the actions they have taken up to now and for the actions they will take over the coming days which will be a difficult period as well.”