A 14-year-old boy who allegedly stabbed a student at the University of Sydney was wearing an army cadet-style uniform – as police investigate possible links to extremist groups.
The teenager allegedly stabbed the 22-year-old man in the neck and back at the campus in Sydney’s inner-west at about 8.35am on Tuesday.
The student was rushed to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital where he remains in a serious but stable condition.
It’s understood the 14-year-old boy later presented to the same hospital covered with blood and was arrested after claiming to be responsible for the attack.
NSW Police said the teenager – who is understood to have a history of mental health issues – did not know his alleged victim.
It’s understood the teen injured his hand during the incident and was treated at the hospital where he also assisted with police inquiries.
Photos from the scene show a jacket and a backpack beside what appears to be a bloodstain on concrete paving at the university’s entrance.
Police and ambulance crews left the university at about 10am with forensic officers later arriving to take evidence from the crime scene.
A 14-year-old boy has been arrested and a student has been rushed to hospital after a stabbing sent the University of Sydney into lockdown (police are pictured at the scene)
The teenager allegedly stabbed the man, 22, in the neck and back at the university in Camperdown, in Sydney’s inner west, about 8.35am on Tuesday
Photos from the scene show a puffer jacket and a backpack beside what appears to be a bloodstain on the concrete at the university’s entrance (pictured)
A student, who wished to remain anonymous, told the Daily Telegraph they had been inside a café when someone rushed to lock the doors.
‘They said someone had been badly hurt but we didn’t know it was a stabbing. To find out someone was stabbed like that is really scary,’ they said.
Tutors said multiple buildings at the campus were immediately subject to a lockdown with up to 15 buildings placed on ‘secure mode’.
This means students need their access cards to get inside.
The University of Sydney issued a statement to students.
‘As a precautionary measure there may be an increased security and police presence on campus while investigations continue,’ a university spokesperson said.
‘The safety and wellbeing of our students, staff and members of the community is our priority, and we continue to work with authorities.
‘Our support services are available for anyone who needs assistance. You can access free and confidential counselling and wellbeing support 24/7 with Student Wellbeing by visiting the health and wellbeing webpage. 24-hour support is also available from Lifeline via text, online chat, or by calling 13 11 14. ‘
Police are seen taking large paper bags of evidence from the scene
Forensics are seen tagging evidence at the entrance of the University of Sydney
Police and ambulance crews left the university at about 10am on Tuesday
University of Sydney Vice Chancellor Mark Scott said he was ‘shocked and saddened’ by the events on Tuesday.
‘NSW Police have arrested the alleged attacker and have assured us that there is no ongoing threat to the community,’ he wrote.
‘We will continue working with police as their investigation continues and we will provide more details to our community later today.’
