Merrylands: Three people stabbed, one dead as knife-wielding man goes on rampage in Sydney

One person has been killed and two others are fighting for life after a man with ‘known’ mental health issues went on an alleged stabbing spree in Sydney’s West.

Emergency crews first responded to reports of the stabbing at around 10am on Tuesday.

“Police responded to reports of a number of people having been stabbed on Merrylands Road in Merrylands,” Superintendent Simon Glasser told a press conference at Merrylands Police Station today.

As NSW Police launched PolAir and a major ground operation to hunt down the man, NSW Ambulance paramedics raced to those who had been injured.

“Police attended and located three people with apparent wounds, and unfortunately, one male was pronounced deceased at the scene. Another two victims were treated by ambulance paramedics and have been taken in critical condition to hospital,” Supt. Glasser confirmed.

“A short time later, police located a male behind a house on Smythe Street in Merrylands.”

The alleged offender was arrested and is “known to police for petty crime and a number of mental health incidents”, Supt. Glasser said.

“Police are unaware at this point what the motive was; it appears it was a random attack.

“We have recovered a weapon, but it’s unclear just yet if it is the weapon used in the offence. We believe it was a knife similar to a kitchen knife, approximately 20-30cm in length.

“Police are yet to formally identify the male who has passed away, however, he’s aged between 30 and 40 years old. We also have a male, 22 years old, and a female, 47 years old, who are critically injured,” Supt. Glasser disclosed.

The sheer horror of the situation was reiterated as police described the crime scene and the random nature of the incident.

“Our crime scene spans approximately 50 metres along Merrylands Road,” Supt. Glasser told the media.

“Two of the attacks occurred inside a premises and one was on the footpath.

“As far as we’re aware at this point, there is no relationship between the three victims.”

A bystander told Sydney’s 2GB: “I saw a lady and a man on the ground, and I spoke to people close by, and they said there was a man running around just stabbing everyone.”

Areas around the business precinct in Merrylands were thrust into a major lockdown after the violent attack.

Officers transported the alleged offender to Granville Police Station and as inquiries are ongoing, anyone with information is asked to contact Cumberland Police Area Command or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.