Sydney stabbing attack: Irish salon owner gave refuge to ‘traumatised’ people fleeing shopping centre

Sydney stabbing attack: several people dead, including suspect, as police do not believe attack was terror-related

Brett Campbell

A woman from Northern Ireland who works near a shopping centre in Sydney where six people were stabbed to death has described how she helped those who fled the scene in terror.

Salon owner Leanne Devine, originally from Co Down, kept her premises open to shelter those escaping the Westfield Bondi Junction commercial complex on Saturday.

The Brackenagh native said many "traumatised" people came through her doors after running in fear for their lives.

"We're in shock mode," she told ABC News. .

"I've been in Bondi Junction for 21 years and I've never witnessed anything like this."

The businesswoman, whose salon is situated on the Oxford Street in the Australian city, described the incident as "just horrific".

Many of her clients work and shop in Westfield.

Employees had been getting ready to finish their shift when they witnessed "hundreds and hundreds of people running” from the shopping centre while shouting, screaming and crying.

A young child carries flowers to place as a tribute near the crime scene at Bondi Junction (Rick Rycroft/AP)

"What they saw was just traumatising," Ms Devine said.

"We had lots and lots of people come in, showing us the photographs of what they'd seen.

"They had to sit down, we had to give them water, we had to say, 'Are you OK?’.”

An elderly woman was among those who sought refuge in the salon and had to remain there for several hours because her legs were sore from running while carrying shopping bags.

Drivers who could not access the car park during the major security operation also sought safety amid the panic.

They did not know if the if the suspect had been intercepted or was still on the loose.

"Paramedics have obviously come in to use the bathroom because they've been here that long," Ms Devine recalled.

"The paramedics are in tears. They have seen stuff that they have never witnessed before, ever.

"It was a really scary, traumatic time.

"It was horrific seeing young children running and crying."

The perpetrator was later identified as Joel Cauchi (40) who was shot dead by a lone police officer.

Queensland Police confirmed he was known to them and had mental health issues.

Ashlee Good, one of the six victims of the knife attack at the Westfield shopping centre at Bondi Junction in the east of Sydney (Family handout/Schillings/PA)

New mum Ashlee Good (38) was among those killed in the attack.

She died protecting her nine-month-old baby who has undergone surgery.

“The baby got stabbed,” an eye witness said.

"The mum got stabbed and came over with a baby and threw it at me.

“I was holding the baby, it looked pretty bad."

Pikria Darchia, 55, one of the six victims of the knife attack at the Westfield shopping centre (New South Wales Police/PA)

Four other victims have been identified as shopping centre security guard Faraz Tahir, Jade Young (47), Pikria Darchia (55) and Dawn Singleton (25).

Ms Singleton was the daughter of well-known Australian entrepreneur John Singleton.

Inspector Amy Scott, who opened fire as Cauchi raised his knife towards her after being challenged, has been hailed as a “hero” by Australia’s prime minister.

"There is no doubt that she saved lives," Anthony Albanese told reporters as he condemned the “horrific act of violence".

Ms Devine said her thoughts were with all the victims, including the injured and all those who witnessed the attack.

"I just feel so sorry for everybody who was in Westfield," she added.

"I feel to sorry for all the families - the five woman and one man who were killed and what their families have to go through now."

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