A teenager remains in police custody following an alleged church stabbing in Sydney’s south-west.
About 7.10pm on Monday (15 April 2024), police were called to a church on Welcome Street, Wakeley, following reports of a stabbing.
Officers attached to Fairfield City Police Area Command attended and found a 53-year-old man with lacerations to his head, and a 39-year-old man, who was injured after attempting to intervene, suffered lacerations and a shoulder wound.
They were treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to Liverpool Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
A 15-year-old boy, who had been restrained by members of the public, was arrested by police.
A large crowd gathered outside, with further police from across the Metropolitan Region, including specialist units attending.
During a public order incident, projectiles were thrown at officers, during which a number of police officers were injured, police vehicles damaged, and property stolen.
The 15-year-old was removed from the church and taken to hospital where he remains under police guard. He has undergone surgery for injuries sustained during the alleged attack.
As a result of the incident a number of officers were struck by objects and suffered various injuries which required treatment.
Officers attached to Fairfield City Police Area Command have established Strike Force Petrina to investigate the stabbing, and Strike Force Dribs to investigate the public order incident and identify those involved.
As investigations continue, any witnesses, anyone with information or mobile phone vision who has not yet spoken to police, is urged to call police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
