A major manhunt is under way after a man in his twenties was attacked with a hatchet at a busy shopping centre, with witnesses describing a terrifying scene.
Emergency services have rushed to a Tweed Heads shopping centre after a violent attack.
Emergency services were called after reports a man had been slashed across the face at the Tweed City Shopping Centre on Minjungbal Drive at around 3.30pm on Thursday.
Multiple ambulance and police crews responded to the scene.
A NSW Ambulance spokesperson said a man in his twenties had suffered injuries to his face in the attack and was taken to Gold Coast University Hospital in a stable condition.
A source from the hospital said the man had presented with a superficial laceration near his right eye which may require surgery.
Police at the scene of the attack. Picture: Nine Gold Coast News.
Police sources told the Bulletin a building tool was used in the incident, which witnesses described as being like an axe or machete in appearance.
A NSW Police spokesperson later confirmed the weapon as being a “hatchet”.
A manhunt was underway on Thursday evening to find the culprit.
In a statement Tweed Byron Police said the weapon used in the attack had been recovered.
“At about 3.30pm on Thursday emergency services were called to a shopping centre on Minjungbal Drive, Tweed Heads South, following reports of an altercation,” the statement said.
“Officers attached to the Tweed/Byron Police District attended the scene and were told several people were involved in an altercation, in which a man – aged 25 – was injured.
“The man was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics for facial injuries, before he was taken to Gold Coast University Hospital.
“A weapon has been seized by police for forensic examination.
“As inquiries are ongoing, anyone with information or footage of the incident, including dashcam, is urged to contact local police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”
Police and ambulance vehicles outside the shopping centre. Picture: Nine Gold Coast News.
Terrified shoppers took to social media in the wake of the attack, with one saying “there was blood everywhere”.
Jacqueline Garbett wrote: “Wow just saw the guy … blood everywhere. Was wondering what had happened. Pretty scary stuff.”
Allison Sultana added that one of her son’s mates tried to give first aid to the man hit with the implement, saying it allegedly occurred outside the Woolworths store.
Police and ambulance officers at the centre. Picture: Nine Gold Coast News.
Sara Georgi wrote that families and teens were “piling out of the centre” as the attack played out, saying police arrived “quickly” to the scene.
Lee Rowthrone added: “I was at Woolies and then walked past the sliding doors about 15 minutes before it happened. Counting my lucky stars.”
Another woman claimed going to the shops these days was “scary”.
“Gotta be really careful going to the shops these days. Every day a stabbing, bashing, an axe attack a car-jacking…unhinged!”
Kay Daniel added: “You’re not even safe doing your shopping now.”
Another Facebook user criticised Tweed City management, suggesting the centre did not place the centre in an emergency lockdown.
Tweed Councillor James Owen said the incident was “obviously alarming and cause for conern” but reiterated that police were handling the matter.
“In recent months I have received a fair amount of correspondence from residents about anti-social behaviour in the Tweed’s shopping centres – and working closely with the police we will do everything we can to ensure community safety,” Cr Owen said.
“It’s clear the incident on Thursday was next level and I understand it would be upsetting for the community and those who were at the scene.”
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