A 14-year-old boy accused of stabbing a student at the University of Sydney had previously allegedly planned to commit a “Christchurch style terror attack” months before Tuesday’s incident.
New details have emerged after a 22-year-old man was allegedly stabbed by a teenager on the grounds of the University of Sydney.
Speaking at media conference on Tuesday afternoon, Assistant Commissioner Mark Walton confirmed the 22-year-old was a student at the university.
“Firstly I’d like to indicate that there is no ongoing threat as a result of the incident that occurred this morning,” NSW Police Counter Terrorism and Special Tactics Commander Assistant Commissioner Mark Walton said.
“At 8:36 this morning, emergency services were called to Sydney University where a 22-year-old student had been stabbed in the neck,” he said at a media conference.
New South Wales Police and paramedics rushed to the University of Sydney after reports of a stabbing at the Camperdown Campus on Tuesday about 8:36am.
They located a 22-year-old man, later confirmed to be a student, suffering from a stab wound to his neck inflicted by a kitchen knife which was found at the scene.
Officers arrested a 14-year-old boy near Royal Prince Alfred Hospital following information the youngster had left the scene and boarded a bus on Parramatta Road.
A 22-year-old student was allegedly stabbed in the neck by a teenager at the University of Sydney campus on Tuesday morning. Picture: Richard Dobson
It can be revealed the teen had previously planned a “Christchurch style terror attack” at a Sydney school months earlier, The Daily Telegraph reported.
However, the charges were dropped in court in February on mental health grounds.
The New Zealand Christchurch terror attacks involved an Australian man who killed 51 people and injured at least 40 others in a shooting at two mosques.
The alleged stabber seen in CCTV footage wearing camouflage gear. Picture: Supplied
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According to The Telegraph, police believe the 14-year-old was influenced by a “salad bar of ideologies” and had an interest in controversial commentator Andrew Tate.
It is also reported the teen had been placed into a government deradicalisation program, under the Department of Community and Justice, prior to the alleged stabbing.
CCTV later released showed the boy allegedly dressed in a camouflage suit and hat while carrying a black backpack walking alongside university students.
It is alleged he ran up to a 22-year-old student and stabbed him in the neck with the knife, injuring his own hand in the process, before fleeing the scene.
The student remains in a stable condition at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.
Police believe the 14-year-old was influenced by a “salad bar of ideologies”. He is yet to be formally charged for the alleged stabbing. Picture: Richard Dobson
Officers collect evidence at the university. Picture: NewsWire / Nikki Short
Police Assistant Commissioner Mark Walton revealed on Tuesday afternoon that the 14-year-old had presented to RPA Hospital with cuts to his hand.
It is believed a member of the public noticed the boy’s injuries on the bus and took him to the emergency department.
The teen is yet to be charged, with Comm Walton also saying it has not been declared a terrorist attack as investigators were yet to confirm a motive.
“It is known as a salad bar of ideologies. A lot of these vulnerable people, they’re not linked to one particular ideology,” he said at a press conference.
“I would however like to indicate that here in NSW, nationally and internationally there are concerns about youth being radicalised in the online environment.
“They are embracing extremist ideologies and moving toward violence.
“I urge parents… that should be aware of this risk to their children, we asked that everyone should be considered about this and reach out to authorities if they are concerned about the consumption of extremist ideologies.”
Police believe there are no links between the boy and the victim.